The Masaka District Police Commander (DPC), Maurice Oye, is reported to have directed the detention of Frank Bwekumbule, a journalist attached to Impact FM, under circumstances that remain unclear.
It is reported that he has ordered the journalist without formally charging him, raising concerns about press freedom and due process.
According to information obtained by this publication, Bwekumbule was taken into custody but has not been informed of any charges against him.
Efforts by the journalist to seek clarification on the reasons for his arrest have reportedly been unsuccessful, with the DPC declining to provide an explanation.
The situation escalated when leaders from the Greater Masaka Journalists Association attempted to intervene.
The group had gone to the police station to follow up on their colleague’s detention and also secure a bond but were allegedly ordered to vacate the premises immediately or risk being detained themselves.
The arrest comes just days after Bwekumbule was violently attacked by unidentified assailants in Masaka Town while returning home.
He sustained serious injuries and is still recovering. Despite the incident being reported, police have yet to commence investigations into the assault.
Media stakeholders in the region have expressed growing concern over what they describe as a pattern of intimidation against journalists, particularly in cases where no formal charges are presented.
By press time, police had not issued an official statement regarding the detention, and the circumstances surrounding the case remain unresolved.
Details to follow…
