Prisons boss suspended after attack on journalists

The officer in charge of Kalisizo Prison, Rakai District has been suspended over last month’s attack on journalists by prison wardens at the detention facility.

The Commissioner General of Prisons, Dr Johnson Byabashaija sent Principal Officer 1, Mr Tom Okello to forced leave and replaced him with Assistant Superintendent of Prison, Mr William Ochwo.

“These orders take immediate effect unless stated otherwise. All leave must strictly be taken outside the barracks,” Dr Byabasaija’s statement reads.

Mr Pascal Lutabi a reporter with WBS television and John Bosco Mulyowa, who reports for the government-owned Bukedde radio were allegedly assaulted by prison warders while covering news of the escape of over 10 inmates from the prison on 18 March, 2013.

 During the attack, the journalists’ cameras and voice recorders were destroyed.

Dr Byabashaja’s move comes almost a month since media practitioners urged prison authorities to investigate and punish officers who allegedly assaulted the journalists.

The journalists also asked the force to compensate the victims who lost their tools of trade and sustained injuries.

Days after the incident, Dr Byabashaija apologised to the journalists saying the attack was barbaric.

Press freedom in Uganda remains fragile as journalists continue to be attacked by security agencies.