The Mukono District Veterinary Officer – Dr. Fred Ssimbwa, who recently assaulted a journalist and boasted of being untouchable, has finally been arrested.
The incident took place last week on Tuesday in Nakisunga sub-county, where Eric Yiga, a journalist with Salt Media, was covering a heated exchange between two councilors.
Following the assault, Yiga filed a case at Mukono Police Station, backed by witness statements.
Police summoned Ssimbwa to appear on Wednesday through the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Elizabeth Namanda, but he failed to turn up.
But the defiant vet repeatedly ignored police summons and kept on evading detectives since the incident.
Today (Thursday), he finally reported to the station, accompanied by some local councilors.
However, after further questioning, police decided to detain him for further investigations. His arrest turned dramatic as his pleas for mercy were disregarded.
According to sources, Ssimbwa was advised by someone to submit a written defense instead of presenting himself to the police station that summoned him.
He further sought to frame the case as politically motivated and accused police officers of bias.
However, Mukono police insisted on his personal appearance, warning that failure to comply would result in his arrest, but Ssimbwa did not heed to the warning.
Why are you filming?
“Besides slapping him, he grabbed his shirt by the neck and demanded to know why he was filming the fight,” said Frankline Mugerwa, an eyewitness.
During the altercation, Dr. Ssimbwa allegedly boasted about his reputation for violence, reportedly saying: “I am known for being stubborn. I instigate violence against anyone, and I never apologise.”
Since the incident, some councilors, who initially confirmed the assault, have reportedly changed their statements.
Among them is Richard Kitumba , who has allegedly urged Yiga to withdraw the complaint, citing pressure from district officials.
According to sources, senior officials including Dr. Fred Mukulu, the District Production Officer, and LC3 Chairperson -Mubarak Ssekikubo, have expressed concerns that the case could tarnish the district’s image.
Press Freedom at Stake
The Uganda Journalists Network (UJN), a body representing journalists in Greater Mukono, has been closely monitoring the case.
Diphas Kiguli, a UJN representative, praised Mukono police for standing firm against political pressure and ensuring that investigations continue.
“We commend the police for resisting interference from so-called ‘big men’ and upholding the rule of law,” Kiguli said.
The case has sparked fresh concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists in Uganda, with media rights groups calling for justice and stronger protections for reporters in the field.
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