Journalist Arrested Allegedly on Minister's Orders Over RDC Recruitment Story

A journalist with the online publication Daily Express, Remmy Asiteza, is allegedly being held at Kampala’s Central Police Station (CPS) after publishing a report concerning the recruitment of Assistant Resident District Commissioners (A-RDCs) and Assistant Resident City Commissioners. Sources indicate that Asiteza’s detention followed a story claiming President Museveni had ordered an investigation into alleged financial irregularities within the recruitment process.

The report raised concerns about the management of significant funds allocated for the salaries and operations of these officials, with allegations of potential mismanagement. Following the publication, Asiteza was reportedly asked to remove the story from the Daily Express platform and reveal his sources.

It is understood that the journalist declined these demands, which subsequently led to his arrest and detention. When approached for comment, the office of Minister for Presidency, Milly Babalanda, initially promised a response but later denied the arrest was at the minister’s directive, with the Communications Officer suggesting that an investigating officer would be better placed to comment. The officer also stated that “Professionalism has to be observed, journalists are not immune to the law.”

Despite attempts to reach the Police spokesperson for comment, no official statement regarding Asiteza’s arrest and the specific charges or investigation was available at the time of reporting. The exact circumstances and the legal basis for his detention remain unclear.

Read more at Nile Post.