By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
A prominent Kampala city editor owning the Luganda Ono ye Bwiino newspaper and the Grapevine Online publication has been arrested by police over allegations of criminal defamation.
Dickson Mubiru was arrested yesterday 30th December, 2022 according to the Police Spokesperson, ACP Fred Enanga in a press statement released last evening.
Enanga says Mubiru was arrested for allegedly defaming City Tycoon Hamis Kiggundu in his various publications but not asking the President a question in a recent media engagement as alleged by the Uganda Journalists Association.
BACKGROUND OF MUBIRU’S CASE
Some time back, a general inquiry file was opened at Kiira Division to investigate allegations that he defamed Mr. Hamis Kiggundu in his various publications.
Mr. Mubiru was informed about the allegations/charges and he agreed to settle the matter amicably with the complainant.
He met the complainant and the Detectives who were investigating the case. The complainant agreed that he would withdraw the case on the advice of Police.
The detectives’ advice that since the complainant made a statement at Police, Mr. Mubiru’s statement also be recorded.
Mr. Mubiru agreed to report to police but later changed his mind.
“Police has been trying to trace for him until today, 30th December, 2022 when he was arrested,” Enanga said before adding that the, “Uganda Journalists Association should not drag the name of the president in Mr. Mubiru’s case.”
Enanga said further that Mr. Mubiru’s statement will be recorded and the file will be submitted to State Attorney for perusal and legal advice.
The Uganda Journalists Association however insist Mubiru was arrested for annoying the First Family after he asked Museveni about ongoing abductions of Civilians.
In a press release dated 30th December, 2022, the Association members claim Mubiru was arrested after his offices were raided in the afternoon and first detained at Nkrumah Rd Police station before he was transferred to Kiira Rd CPS.
Meanwhile, the Senior Presidential Press Secretary to the President has also refuted allegations that Mubiru’s arrest is connected to the First Family.
In a press statement released on 30th December, 2022, Sandor Walusimbi says, “the arrest of Mubiru has nothing to do with the First Family nor State House rather the arrest arises from a complaint filed by Hamis Kiggundu.”
