By RFIPalled on 04-05-2019Modified on 04-05-2019 at 13:47

In Uganda, the Media Regulation Commission ordered 13 radio and television stations to suspend about 40 journalists for their recent coverage of the arrest of singer and opponent Bobi Wine on bail on Friday (May 3rd). Amnesty International denounces "blatant violation of press freedom".

The singer and deputy Bobi Wine whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, was arrested earlier this week, before being released on bail this Friday. Faced with recent attacks on freedom of the press in the country, diplomats from about fifteen countries including the United States, the United Kingdom and France have expressed their concerns Friday. In a statement, these diplomats say they are " very worried ". Amnesty International denounces, for its part, " a flagrant violation of the freedom of the press ".

Joined by RFI, Abu Lubowa, a member of the Ugandan Association of Journalists, recalls that the media are free to cover what they want.

" I do not see where the problem is. The media spread something that was really happening: the arrest of Bobi Wine. It was not an intox. The editor decides what to cover or not. An editor chooses to make a topic based on his readers or listeners. The authorities are trying to intimidate the media and journalists. They want to scare us , "he said.

" The journalists will not be intimidated but the bosses of radios and private TV is another story. They are already afraid of having their licenses withdrawn. The authorities could very well make them understand that it is in their interest to dismiss a journalist. That's what journalists are scared of, is to see bosses bowing to the Media Regulatory Commission , "added Abu Lubowa.

► To read also: Uganda: the singer and opponent Bobi Wine arrested by the police

    On the same subject

    Uganda: MP and singer Bobi Wine must be released on bail

    Uganda: activist Stella Nyanzi judged for a poem published on Facebook

    A freedom of the press with variable geometry in Africa

    Uganda: Yoweri Museveni's interview on the Web

    comments