Three bodyguards of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi also known as Bobi Wine, have been charged with robbery and assaulting journalists during a burial ceremony in Lwengo district.
The accused Achilleo Kivumbi, Grace Wakabi (popularly known as Smart-wa Bobi) and Gadafi Mugumya were arrested in Kampala last week before being transferred to Masaka Central Police Station on Tuesday.
They were arraigned before Masaka Grade One Magistrate Abudallah Kayiira and remanded to prison until March 13 2025.
The case stems from an alleged altercation in which journalists claim they were assaulted while covering Kyagulanyi’s recent political activities.
According to the charge sheet the three along with others still at large allegedly assaulted journalists and destroyed their equipment during the burial of UK-based businessman Pascal Ssekasamba in May last year at Manja village, Kisekka sub-county.
Among the victims was Zainabu Namusaazi, a journalist with Next Media Group, whose video camera was reportedly damaged, and Margret Kayondo a correspondent with Radio Simba whose smartphone was smashed.
Reports suggest that cameras and other equipment were forcibly taken during the scuffle sparking outrage from media rights organizations and press freedom advocates.
The case has sparked heated reactions with media rights organizations condemning the attack as a blatant violation of press freedom.
However, supporters of Kyagulanyi argue that the charges are politically motivated claiming they are part of a broader crackdown on opposition figures.
The burial ceremony where the incident occurred had already been tense, as Kimanya-Kabonera MP Abed Bwanika openly criticized Kyagulanyi for allegedly orchestrating attacks against NUP members who challenge his leadership.
National Unity Platform (NUP) is yet to make an official statement on the matter but tensions are rising as the legal battle unfolds.
