Tension hit Christian life Church – Bwaise on Monday when a police patrol vehicle arrived at the premises, and whisked away with outspoken Top Radio presenter, Richard Kasule better known as Omugagga Kamagu.
When the Station Manager, Dunstan Busulwa learnt about the arrest and that Kasule was detained at Wandegeya Police station, he immediately left to speak to the operatives.
“They did not give me the reason for Kasule’s arrest,” Mr Busulwa said after the meeting, however, Police Spokesperson Emilian Kayima later addressed Journalists saying, Kasule “was accused of defamation.”
“It was because of his reckless mouth and irresponsible talk,” Mr Kayima said. “We have cautioned him and many others on a number of occasions but he has not heeded to the warning.”
This website has however learnt that the security officials are reportedly stuck with the accused.
“Police preferred charges of publication of false news against him. They later understood that it was struck out of the Penal Code Act (Cap.120). They are now looking for the new offence to charge him with,” a local news daily reported on Tuesday.
Kasule’s arrest prompted Robert Sempala, the Coordinator of the Human Rights Network for Journalists to condemn the rampant arrest of Journalists in Uganda.
Reports show that Richard Kasule was in November 2013 arrested on charges of incitement to violence with two other journalists.
Pr Jackson Ssenyonga, owner of the Church based station has not yet made any remarks over the incident that this website is aware of.
Last year, owing to state pressure, the management of Top Radio and Top TV banned opposition politicians and other voices critical of government from all its shows and programs.
By Paul W Dennis.
