By Spy Uganda
Kampala: Journalists Dickson Mubiru and Arirabaki Sengooba of Grace Publications, which operates the online English site Grape Vine and the local newspaper Ono Bwiino, have been remanded back to Luzira Prison on charges of publishing information without a valid broadcasting license.
The journalists appeared before Buganda Road Court Principal Magistrate Nankya Winnie Jakito on Thursday for a bail application, which was not successful. They were consequently sent back to remand until July 9, 2024, when the court will deliver its ruling on their bail application.
During their court appearance, the accused presented three sureties each including Godfrey Kivumbi, a businessman in Kampala, Namuyomba Joan, and Nambuya Teddy (both businesswomen in Kampala) vouched for Mubiru, while Juma Ali, Nankabirwa Norah and Nanyanzi Samali stood for Sengooba who is their young brother.
During the hearing the defence team, led by Andrew Mumpenjje, argued that the accused have the right to apply for bail pending the hearing of their case, especially after presenting sureties who understand their roles in ensuring the accused comply with bail conditions if granted.
Furthermore, the defence team contended that the accused persons have the right to liberty and justice since they no criminal record and have never been convicted in any courts of law.
However, state attorney Ivan Kyazze opposed the bail application, arguing that the sureties lacked proper documentation and were therefore not substantial enough to support the accused’s release.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the magistrate advised the defence team to work on the inconsistences especially on the proper documentation of both the accused and sureties before she adjourned the case to July 9, 2024, to deliver the ruling on the bail application.
Back ground Of The Case
The dual was arrested on June 18, 2024 after they allegedly published a story on Grape Vine without a valid broadcasting license from the Uganda Communications Commission.
According to the statement of offense by the state which was represented by state attorney Ivan Kyazze in Court, on 13th June 2024, journalists Mubiru, Sengooba and others still at large in Kampala published a story titled “inside story; how top legislators shared $5million vitol oil deal bribe” in grape vine online media without a valid broadcasting license from Uganda communications Commission.
Prosecution also alleges that on the 15th day of May 2024, within Kampala district published a story titled “Lawyer Kalali, justice Nkonge clash over court case file.” in grape vine media without a valid broadcasting license from Uganda communications commission. The duo have since denied all charges and pleaded not guilty.
We Shall Keep You Updated On This Case
