Kampala High Court Judge Joyce Kavuma has, on Wednesday morning, adjourned a human rights enforcement application filed by Digitalk TV and its staff against the Attorney General, jailed Maj. Gen. James Birungi, D/AIP Ndyanabangi George, D/AIP Birungi (Katwe Police), AIGP Tom Magambo, and Kisembo (Criminal Intelligence, Katwe),ย in which over UGX 1.5 billion is sought in compensation and damages.
The judge, who is currently handling election petitions in Masaka, informed the applicants through the registry that a new hearing date will be communicated via the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS).
By today’s court appearance, none of the respondents had filed a reply despite having been served and acknowledged receipt.
According to the affidavit by the court process server, Maj. James Birungi declined to receive his copy.
March 10, 2022, security operatives raided the premises of Digitalk TV, arrested nine staff members, and confiscated gadgets including computers, phones, documents, and other broadcasting equipment, which have never been returned to date.
Without any arrest or search warrant, and under the command and knowledge of the respondents, the following were arrested: Norman Tumuhimbise – Team Leader, Mukose Arnold Anthony – Programmes Director, Bikobere Farida – Director Administration/Show Host, Kato Tumusiime – Lawyer/Organization Legal Officer, Luwedde Lilian – Host, Mukiibi Jeremiah – Head of Production, Nabukeera Teangel Teddy – Producer, Wabyona Jeje Jacob – Intern, and Tulyahabwe Rogers – Show Host.
They were detained beyond the 48-hour constitutional limit, held incommunicado for over six days, and allegedly tortured at the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence, CMI, Mbuya.
Although Tumuhimbise and Bikobere were later charged with cyber-stalking and annoying the person of the president, the charges were dismissed for want of prosecution, and to date, all the confiscated property remain unreturned.
Appearing for the applicants, Counsel Kakuru Tumusiime from Kiiza and Mugisha Advocates said they are yet to receive any response from the respondents.
Among the declarations sought are the return of all confiscated equipment and property, a declaration that the actions were unconstitutional, and over UGX 1.5 billion in damages and compensation.
However, only seven out of the nine affected journalists filed the application.
