Press Freedom at Risk: The Case of Journalist Richard Wanambwa And Vitol Oil

Richard Wanambwa, a journalist with Eagle Online, was remanded to Luzira prison on Friday, December 13, 2024, following charges of demanding money and property with menace. The charges, filed under sections 270 and 273 of the Penal Code Act, have raised serious concerns about the state of press freedom in Uganda.

Wanambwa was arrested on December 11, 2024, at Hotel Africana in Kampala. His arrest is allegedly connected to investigative stories he published about Vitol, a prominent global energy trading company.

During his court appearance, Wanambwa, represented by lawyer Samuel Ocitti, pleaded not guilty. Unfortunately, his bail application could not proceed as the Chief Magistrate was unavailable, and the Grade One Magistrate handling the plea lacked the authority to grant bail.

“There are two cases against him,” Ocitti stated. “He is accused of demanding $50,000, $30,000, and UGX 72 million from Alex Mandama and Fisher Kasule on behalf of an individual named Abu Mukasa.”

The case has been adjourned to December 18, 2024.

The Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) is providing legal support to Wanambwa. Robert Ssempala, the Executive Director of HRNJ-Uganda, condemned the arrest and remand, labeling it an assault on press freedom.

“Using criminal charges to silence journalists is a blatant violation of press freedom. We stand with Richard and will continue to advocate for his rights,” Ssempala asserted.

Wanambwa’s case has reignited fears of media suppression in Uganda, with many viewing the charges as a tactic to stifle investigative journalism and curtail critical reporting.