Since when did journalism become a crime? This question remain unanswered in Goma Division, where Speaker Tonny Bwanika recently banned journalists from covering council sessions.
Their offense? Exposing a corruption scheme in which division leaders, led by Chairperson Humphrey Kyasa, allegedly planned to award themselves nearly UGX 500 million under the guise of a “service award” in the first quarter of the 2024/2025 financial year.
The crackdown on the press has raised serious concerns about transparency and accountability in Mukono District.
The funds were allegedly intended to support their re-election campaigns, an idea swiftly rejected by the division’s technical team.
Following the revelations, council executives failed to attend a scheduled session, causing it to collapse. The Speaker then warned journalists against publishing any further details.
During Monday’s session, Bwanika escalated his stance, declaring he could no longer work with the media.
He ordered journalists to leave the hall and threatened to have them removed by the sergeant-at-arms. The move has raised concerns among residents of Mukono District.
Simon Muteesa, a local resident, compared the scandal to the backlash faced by MP Mathias Mpuuga and other leaders who were criticised for awarding themselves large sums of public money.
“It is shameful that councilors, who should have learned from the mistakes of their party (NUP), are instead copying the same practices that were strongly condemned,” Muteesa said.
With journalists now barred, it remains unclear whether the controversial self-award proposal was passed or scrapped.
The Speaker’s decision has sparked fears that accountability and transparency in the district are under threat.
Meanwhile, Kyasa has remained silent on the issue. However, sources close to him claim he is planning to use substantial funds to secure his party nomination and mount a strong campaign in the upcoming elections.
The crackdown on journalists in Mukono District appears to be escalating.
Last week, reporter Eric Yiga was assaulted by Mukono District Veterinary Officer Dr. Fred Ssimbwa while covering a Nakisunga council session.
The incident has been reported to Mukono Police Station, and Ssimbwa has been summoned through the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to record a statement.
END
English 