Kalangala, 21st/Nov/2011: Central Broadcasting Service (CBS
fm) Kalangala district correspondent Ronald Ssembuusi is reported to have
received death threats from former Kalangala boss Daniel Kikola over a news
story.
The problem
stemmed from a news story aired on the radio on 17th/November/2011
which alleged that the former district boss in being investigated for his
involvement in the disappearance of solar panels.
Human Rights
Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) has learnt that after the story
was aired, Kikola called and invited the journalist to his home but he
declined. Several calls followed and Kikola allegedly asked the journalist why
he refused to go to his resident. As he was hanging up his last call, he allegedly
threatened the complainant that something strange will happen to him.
Over 80
solar panels were donated by the African Development Bank through the ministry
of water and environment in 2010 to help in circulating clean and safe water in
Kalangala Town Council. Unfortunately, about 40 (forty) are missing.
Since 14th/November/2011,
police has been investigating officials who were allegedly involved. Several suspects have been arrested and about
21 solar panels have been recovered.
“I called
Mr. Kikola for a comment after coming across his name on the list of those police
is supposed to investigate and he refuted allegations saying the solar panels
at his home were among those donated saying he purchased them years ago.
Ssembuusi
added that after getting the comment he wrote the story and it was later aired
which triggered the endless calls.
He has also
reported that he has filed a case at Kalangala police station
When
HRNJ-Uganda contacted Mr. Kikola he confirmed calling the journalist but denied
using threatening words. He outlined plans to drag the journalist to court for
defamation.
“We welcome
the initiative taken by the journalist for reporting the matter to authorities
because many cases have gone unreported due to the inferiority complex amongst
journalists in Uganda” Said HRNJ-Uganda Board Chairperson Robert Ssempala
HRNJ-Uganda
calls upon police to expeditiously investigate the allegation and bring it to
its logical conclusion.
For More Information Contact;
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda)
Kivebulaya Road at Mengo Kampala Opp. St. Marcelino Pre. School
P.O.BOX. 71314 Clock Tower Kampala
Tel: +256-414-272934 / +256-414-667627
E-mail: news@hrnjuganda.org
Website: www.hrnjuganda.org
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