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FCAU calls for the release of journalist Moses Bwayo after he is sent to prison on remand
published on 04.03.2020 by Liam Taylor
The Foreign Correspondents’ Association of Uganda (FCAU) calls for the immediate release of journalist Moses Bwayo who was sent to Luzira Prison on Wednesday.
State prosecutors told Makindye Magistrates’ Court in Kampala that they were unable to respond to a bail application made by Moses’ lawyer after Moses was detained at Kabalagala Police Station earlier in the day.
Moses’ lawyer was able to present the court with all the guarantees required by the law in order to be released on bail.
Last week Moses was arrested by a combined force of police and soldiers while documenting opposition politician Bobi Wine film a music video.
Moses was subsequently charged with “unlawful assembly” and held at a police station for two days while being denied access to a lawyer before being released on police bond on Wednesday 26 February.
Moses reported to Kabalagala Police Station this morning as part of the terms of his police bond where he was detained and brought to Makindye Magistrates’ Court.
Moses is due to appear at Makindye Magistrates’ Court at 9am Friday 6 March 2020.
FCAU urges supporters of press freedom to attend the hearing to monitor developments.
Moses is under contract with UK-based production company Southern Films to film a long term documentary about Bobi Wine, a member of parliament whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi.
Independent journalism is a vital part of a free society and Ugandan authorities must not criminalise journalists reporting on opposition political groups.