Richard Wanambwa, a journalist with Eagle Online, was remanded to prison on Friday, December 13, 2024, after being charged with demanding money and property with menace. The charges fall under sections 270 and 273 of the Penal Code Act. His arrest on December 11, 2024, at Hotel Africana in Kampala, has sparked concerns over press freedom in Uganda.
The allegations against Wanambwa are reportedly linked to investigative stories he wrote about Vitol, a global energy trading company.
During his court appearance, Wanambwa pleaded not guilty through his lawyer, Samuel Ocitti. However, a bail application could not proceed as the trial’s Chief Magistrate was unavailable, and the Grade One Magistrate handling the plea was not authorized to hear bail requests.
“There are two cases against him,” Ocitti explained. “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 was adjourned to December 18, 2024.
The Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) is providing Wanambwa with legal support. Its Executive Director, Robert Ssempala, strongly condemned the arrest and remand, calling it an attack on press freedom.
“The use of criminal charges to silence journalists is a blatant affront to press freedom. We will continue to stand with Richard and advocate for his rights,” Ssempala said.
Wanambwa’s case has reignited fears of media gagging in Uganda, with critics viewing the charges as an attempt to suppress investigative journalism and limit critical reporting.
