IFJ Denounces The Detention Incommunicado of a Radio Journalist in Uganda

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today condemned the arrest and incommunicado detentionof a radio journalist in Uganda. According to Uganda Journalists Union (UJU), journalist James Kasirivu of Endigito Radio station was arrested by plain clothed security personnel on 8 May, and detained incommunicado without any charges against him.

 

The radio station is based in the town of Mbarara in western Uganda. UJU said no clear reasons have been given for his arrest. Relatives and friends who tried to see him were turned away. Journalist Kasirivu runs a popular talk-show program called “world express”.

 

“We condemn this flagrant violation of the rights of James Kasirivu and call on the authorities to clearly state the reasons in relation with his arrest or release him immediately and unconditionally,” said Gabriel Baglo, IFJ Africa Director. 

 

UJU considers the arrest as a climax of orchestrated efforts and threats by local security operatives to clamp down on the journalist whom they accuse of giving a platform to opposition groups or people with divergent views to criticize the government. His talk show has been shut down before after receiving numerous threats from the Uganda Communication Commission (UCC).

For more information, please contact IFJ on + 221 33 867 95 86/87

The IFJ represents more than 600.000 journalists in 134 countries