Ono Bwino journalist arrested for allegedly defaming Ham Kiggundu

Police have confirmed the arrest of journalist Dickson Mubiru of Ono Bwiino newspaper and the Grape Vine, an online publications.

According to the authorities, Mubiru was today arrested by police on allegations of criminal defamation.
This contradicts with social media allegations that the reason for his arrest is as a result of asking the president a question in the recent media engagement.

Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson, has noted that a general inquiry file was opened at Kiira Division to investigate allegations that Mubiru defamed Kiggundu in his various publications.

“Mr. Mubiru was informed about the allegations/charges and he agreed to settle the matter amicably with the complainant. He met the complainant and the detectives who were investigating the case. The complainant agreed that he would withdraw the case on the advice of police,” Onyango explained.

However, Onyango revealed that the detectives’ advised that Mubiri should make a statement at police since the complainant made one.

Mubiru agreed to report to police but later changed his mind forcing lolice to start tracing for him until today when he was arrested.

Onyango, therefore, called upon Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) not to drag the name of the country’s president in Mubiru’s case.

Onyango said Mubiru’s statement will be recorded and the file submitted to State Attorney for perusal and legal advice.