Minister Orders Arrest of Journalist Over Story on RDC Recruitment

What the report says

Nile Post reported that Daily Express journalist Remmy Asiteza has been held at Central Police Station in Kampala for several days after an arrest that sources said came following a dispute over his reporting on the recruitment of Assistant Resident District Commissioners and Assistant Resident City Commissioners. The account was attributed to sources familiar with the matter, and the article said police officials contacted by Nile Post did not comment, describing the issue as sensitive.

According to the report, the journalist came under scrutiny after publishing a story that alleged corruption and raised questions about possible financial irregularities in the recruitment process. The piece said the article referred to claims that President Museveni had ordered an investigation into the matter, but it did not say whether any official findings had been announced. Nile Post also said Asiteza was allegedly asked to remove the story and identify his source.

The article stated that Asiteza refused to delete the report or reveal his source, after which he was arrested and detained. It said the journalist is believed to be at CPS in Kampala, though the circumstances of the arrest, including whether a formal complaint was filed and what offence, if any, is being investigated, remain unclear. Nile Post said it had sought comment from Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda’s office and police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke, but had not received a response at the time of publication. The case highlights continuing concerns about press freedom and the treatment of journalists covering alleged corruption in public recruitment processes.