UJA Demands Immediate Release of Journalist Remy Asiteza

Association says journalist has spent five days in police custody without being formally charged

The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has called for the immediate and unconditional release of journalist Remy Asiteza, who the association says has remained in custody at Kampala Central Police Station for five days without being formally charged.

In a protest statement issued on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, UJA Secretary General Emmanuel Kirunda expressed concern over Asiteza’s continued detention, saying the circumstances surrounding his arrest had raised renewed questions about press freedom and the protection of journalists carrying out investigative reporting.

According to UJA, Asiteza was arrested on August 11 following the publication of a Daily Express story that examined alleged irregularities in the recruitment of Assistant Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and Assistant Resident City Commissioners (RCCs).

The association said police records indicate that Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda and her Personal Assistant, Juma Masuumi, are listed as complainants in the matter. However, UJA said it had not been informed of the specific offence for which the journalist was being detained at the time the statement was released.

UJA believes the arrest may be connected to Asiteza’s reporting on allegations of corruption in the recruitment process, although it noted that the exact basis of the police investigation had not been publicly clarified.

The recruitment of Assistant RDCs has remained a subject of national debate in recent months, with Parliament previously questioning the appointment of more than 300 officials and seeking explanations over the expansion of the administrative structure and its financial implications.

The issue gained further attention in July 2026 after reports emerged that President Yoweri Museveni had directed the Internal Security Organisation to investigate alleged financial irregularities involving the recruitment of Assistant RDCs and Assistant RCCs. The allegations reportedly touched on recruitment procedures, payroll, allowances and procurement, but investigations are still ongoing and no wrongdoing has been conclusively established.

Earlier this year, the Office of the President also warned members of the public against fraudsters claiming they could secure appointments as RDCs, Deputy RDCs or Assistant RDCs in exchange for money. Minister Babalanda urged Ugandans not to fall victim to such schemes, insisting that government appointments are not for sale.

UJA said its leadership learned of Asiteza’s detention on Tuesday evening and immediately attempted to intervene by seeking his release on police bond through the office of the Secretary General. According to the association, those efforts were unsuccessful.

Kirunda said the continued detention was troubling and called for authorities to respect the constitutional rights of the journalist.

“UJA therefore demands that journalist Asiteza be unconditionally and urgently released,” Kirunda said, arguing that his detention had exceeded the constitutionally recognised period before a suspect should be presented before court.

Article 23 of the Constitution provides that a person arrested on suspicion of committing a criminal offence should be brought before a court within 48 hours if they are not released earlier. UJA maintains that this safeguard is essential in protecting personal liberty and ensuring due process.

The association further argued that prolonged detention of journalists over stories involving matters of public interest could discourage reporters from investigating institutions and public officials, creating fear within the media industry.

This is not the first time UJA has raised concerns over the treatment of journalists by security agencies. In June 2026, the association demanded investigations into allegations that two journalists in Mitooma had been tortured and detained while pursuing a story about alleged police absenteeism.

Similarly, in July 2025, UJA called for the release of journalists Eric Yiga and Ivan Kimbowa after they were detained at CPS Kampala in connection with reporting on alleged misconduct in the Mukono education office. The association described the incident as a setback for media freedom.

UJA has reiterated that while journalists remain accountable to the law like every other citizen, they must also be allowed to perform their professional duties without intimidation or unnecessary interference.

Asiteza’s case now places attention on whether police will formally charge him, release him on bond or present him before court, as the journalists’ association says it will continue pursuing legal means to secure his release and ensure that due process is followed.