Bushenyi, 22nd October 2019; Hearing of a case in which a TV West Journalist, Sheikh Abdhurhatifu was allegedly assaulted by Davis Assimwe, a medical doctor attached to Kabwohe Health Centre IV in Sheema district, western Uganda, continued this 22nd day of October 2019, at Bushenyi Chief Magistrates Court, with receiving evidence from Dr. Peter Karubi a medical doctor attached to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital.
In his testimony, Dr. Karubi told the court that on 4th December 2017, he examined Abdhurhatifu and found that he had a soft tissue injury which was a result of blunt force strain. He classified the injury as simple bodily harm that could not lead to permanent disability.
The prosecution wound up its case with the receipt of the medical doctor’s testimony by court and tendering in the medical report.
Court presided over by Grade 1 Magistrate, Jane Mugara set 29th October 2019 for filing of written submissions by the Defence Counsel.
On the 28th November 2019, the court is expected to give its ruling on whether there is a prima facie case proved by the prosecution which would then require the Accused to defend himself.
Prosecution led by Oundo Godfrey alleges that on 1st December 2017, Sheikh Abdhurhatifu was assaulted by Dr. Asiimwe Davis, the Administrator of Kabwohe Health Centre IV in Sheema district, Western Uganda. His Sony camera was also damaged during the scuffle.
Abdhurhatifu had gone to the Health Centre to verify information from Dr. Asiimwe about a woman who had been erroneously diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and wrongfully prescribed ARV’S for a period of about six years hence causing her severe side effects.
“We are hopeful that the court will deliver justice to the journalist in a bid to end impunity for crimes against journalists on duty and also defending press freedom in Uganda.” Said the Executive Director of Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda, Robert Ssempala.
