Police in Kabale municipality western Uganda have been accused by media rights activists for conniving with UMEME to arrest a group of journalists and social media influencers as the locals planned a ‘March to UMEME’ demonstration today, August 9, 2024.
Journalists who were arrested yesterday evening include Job Namanya from Vison Group, Obed Kakiiriho from Source UG and Daily Monitor, as well as social media influencers Charlotte Murungi Kemigisha and Precious Tumuranze.
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They were arrested at Cafe Barista, a popular establishment in Kabale municipality at around 11.40pm.
The journalists were detained at Kabale Police Station, as local authority try to resolve this matter to have them released.
Andrew Akanyijuka, the Officer in Charge at Kabale Police Station, oversaw the operation and presented an arrest warrant citing charges of inciting violence.
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Kabale’s Resident District Commissioner-RDC, Godfrey Nyakahuma, told media that the arrest was regrettable and unwarranted, as there is no evidence linking the detainees to the planned protest.
The residents of Kabale have continuously expressed frustration with the electricity provider, UMEME, and are seeking answers for the persistent power outages experienced in the area.
The locals say prolonged power outages have significantly disrupted the daily routines and operations of local residents and businesses.
