Kampala, Uganda – The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) is calling for the immediate release of journalist Richard Wanambwa, who has been imprisoned since December 11, 2024, on charges of demanding money and property with menace.
Wanambwa, who works for the online news site The Eagle, was arrested in connection with his investigative reporting on the oil trading company Vitol.
The state alleges that he demanded $50,000, $30,000, and 72 million shillings from individuals on behalf of another person. Wanambwa has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The UJA has expressed concern over Wanambwa’s continued detention and has instructed its legal team to join forces with his lawyers to secure his release.
The association believes that journalists should not be targeted with criminal charges for exercising their right to freedom of expression.
This case has raised concerns about press freedom in Uganda and the safety of journalists who investigate sensitive issues.
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