Human Rights
Free Journalists Dickson Mubiru and Sengooba Alirabaki
In a troubling reminder of the ongoing struggle for freedom of the press in Uganda, our comrades Dickson Mubiru and Sengooba Alirabaki, both from Grace Publications, will be returning to Buganda Road Court this Thursday, 4th July 2024, at 9:00 am. They have been remanded in Luzira prison on charges related to their reporting on the conflict between Justice Alexandra Nkonge Rugadya and lawyer Steven Kalali, as well as the alleged massive corruption in Parliament.
The Cost of Truth-Telling in Uganda
The charges against Mubiru and Alirabaki underscore the perilous environment in which Ugandan journalists operate. Their arrest and remand for merely doing their jobs—shedding light on significant issues of public interest—reflect the broader pattern of human rights violations in the country. According to Human Rights Watch, Uganda has seen a significant increase in the harassment, intimidation, and detention of journalists and media workers in recent years. In 2023 alone, there were over 100 reported cases of journalists being assaulted or unlawfully detained while covering protests or politically sensitive events.
The Conflict They Reported On
The articles that led to the incarceration of Mubiru and Alirabaki detailed a serious conflict between Justice Alexandra Nkonge Rugadya and lawyer Steven Kalali. This conflict, set against a backdrop of alleged corruption within the Parliament, highlights the critical role of the press in uncovering and reporting on issues that affect the nation. Their brave reporting not only informed the public but also held powerful individuals accountable, which is a cornerstone of a functioning democracy.
An Appeal for Solidarity
As members of the fourth estate, it is our humble appeal that we express solidarity by physically attending the court session. The presence of fellow journalists and supporters can send a powerful message about the importance of press freedom and the unacceptability of attempts to stifle it through legal intimidation. Our attendance will show that we stand united against any effort to silence those who dare to speak truth to power.
Human Rights Violations in Uganda: A Grim Picture
The arrest of Mubiru and Alirabaki is not an isolated incident. It is part of a broader pattern of human rights abuses in Uganda. Amnesty International has documented numerous instances where the Ugandan government has used excessive force against protesters, arbitrarily arrested opposition members, and suppressed dissenting voices. In the run-up to the 2021 general elections, over 50 people were killed during protests, and hundreds were detained incommunicado, often subjected to torture and ill-treatment.
Moreover, the Uganda Human Rights Commission has repeatedly highlighted issues such as unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, and the use of torture by security forces. The press, as a watchdog, plays a vital role in bringing these violations to light and advocating for justice and reform.
The return of Dickson Mubiru and Sengooba Alirabaki to court is a critical moment for press freedom in Uganda. It is a test of our collective resolve to stand against the repression of the truth and those who seek to reveal it. By attending the court session, we can show our comrades that they are not alone and that the fight for a free and fair Uganda continues unabated.
In standing with Mubiru and Alirabaki, we honor the principles of journalism and the fundamental human rights that underpin our society. Let us come together in solidarity, ensuring that their bravery is met with our unwavering support.
By expressing solidarity and attending the court session, we send a clear message that attempts to suppress press freedom will not go unchallenged. Our collective presence will demonstrate that we, as journalists and citizens, are committed to defending the rights and freedoms essential to our democracy.
