Unity FM radio reporter, Bismack Olang was on Friday 18th January 2019 assaulted by Lira Mayor Mike Ogwang Olwa Veve as he had gone to cover a meeting between the councilors and the Mayor pertaining revenue collection from the Boda Bodas (motorcyclists).
“On reaching the Municipal Council Chambers, the Mayor told us to go out and wait from outside to which I and my other colleagues consented, however after some time, we saw police officers coming to the chambers where the meeting was being held which prompted us to enter inside to inquire what was going on,” narrated Olang.
The Mayor later rained punches on Olang and threw him against the wall and was only rescued by police officers.
A case of assault was registered by Olang at Lira Central Police Station vide SD REF: 32/18/01/2019 and recorded a statement.
His witnesses including the councilors who had come for the meeting also recorded statements.
Speaking to Human Rights Network for Journalists (HRNJ-Uganda), the Mayor Mr. Ogwang flatly denied the accusations labeled against him and claimed it was the journalist who was unprofessional though he could not point out to any of the unprofessional acts committed by the journalist.
The police spokesperson, Fred Enanga has since issued a statement dated 21st January 2019 to the effect that police is investigating this assault.
“The police in Lira are investigating the alleged assault of Bismack Olang, a radio journalist working with Unity FM, by Lira Mayor Mike Ogwang Olwa… you are well aware the IGP has offered to guard the space for journalists in his directive to all units. As a result, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations is fast tracking the matter to quickly bring the perpetrators to justice,” reads the statement in part.
Robert Sempala, the director HRNJ-Uganda condemned the act and assured fellow journalists that this matter is going to be taken to court in pursuit for justice.
“This gross act by the Mayor of taking the law into his hands and abuse of power as well as office should be thoroughly investigated. We will make sure that this matter is taken to court in pursuit of justice but also to end impunity for crimes against journalists,” said the HRNJ-Uganda Executive Director, Robert Ssempala.
