Concerns are rising after lawyer Eron Kiiza accused the Uganda Police Force of illegally surrendering journalist Mukose Arnold Nantaba to unidentified individuals. Nantaba works with Alternative DigiTalk.
Kiiza said the handover occurred on the night of March 29, following a police search at the journalist’s residence.
“His lawyers and family are now unable to access him at Old Kampala Police Station, where he had been detained,” Kiiza stated.
According to the lawyer, police have refused to disclose to whom the journalist was handed over or the reasons for doing so. Kiiza warned that Nantaba could face torture or other mistreatment if the allegations are true.
The lawyer has called on the Inspector General of Police and the Police Standards Unit to investigate the matter and discipline any officers involved.
The case has sparked concern among journalist groups and rights advocates, who say it highlights the risks faced by media practitioners in Uganda.