In a significant victory for press freedom and accountability, journalist Bismark Isaac Olong of Unity FM 97.7 has won a five-year legal battle against former Lira Municipal Mayor Mike Ogwang Olwa Veve, who physically assaulted him while on duty in January 2020.
The High Court of Uganda in Lira, presided over by Justice Duncan Gaswaga, ruled on May 14, 2025, that the former mayor violated Olong’s constitutional rights and ordered him to pay Shs 10 million in total comprising Shs 5 million in compensation and Shs 5 million in general damages plus the legal costs of the suit.
The case stemmed from an incident on January 18, 2020, when Olong was covering a tense meeting at the Lira Municipal offices between Ogwang and a group of Adyeri Division councillors.
According to the court ruling, Ogwang initially ordered journalists to leave the meeting room. However, when tempers flared and police intervened, the journalists, including Olong, returned to the doorway to document the unfolding situation.
While standing near police officers, Olong attempted to get a clearer view of the commotion.
It was at this moment that Ogwang leapt from his chair and physically assaulted the journalist, an act the court condemned as a violation of multiple constitutional rights, including protection from torture, the right to liberty, freedom of expression, and the right to work.
The case was supported throughout by Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda), whose legal team from Walyemera & Co. Advocates represented Olong.
The organization hailed the ruling as a milestone in the fight against impunity and violence toward journalists.
“This victory is a demonstration of the power of justice and the importance of press freedom,” said Robert Ssempala, Executive Director of HRNJ-Uganda.
“We commend Bismark for his courage and resilience in seeking justice. Ogwang’s actions must serve as a warning to those in power who believe they are above the law.”
The High Court issued two key declarations:
- That the acts of assaulting Olong violated his rights under Articles 24, 27, 40(2), and 44(a) of the Constitution.
- That the interference with his professional duties violated rights protected by Articles 23(1–3), 29(1)(a), 29(2)(a), and 40(2).
With the court’s decision, Olong’s years-long pursuit of justice marks a triumph for journalists working under pressure in politically sensitive environments, and a signal that no public official is above constitutional scrutiny.
HRNJ-Uganda reaffirmed its commitment to defend journalists through all legal avenues and urged continued vigilance against violations of press freedom across the country.
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