news 30 March 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Security Operatives Detain Digitaltalk Journalist Mukose After Radio Appearance
Arnold Anthony Mukose, a Digitaltalk Media journalist and petitioner in the nullified Computer Misuse Act case, was reportedly abducted by plain-clothed security personnel outside Metro FM in Old Kampala. His lawyer suspects the arrest stems from his activism against the law, with no charges filed yet. Source: https://observer.ug/news/digitaltalk-media-journalist-mukose-arrested
Arnold Anthony Mukose, a journalist with Digitaltalk Media, was seized by individuals claiming to be security operatives on Sunday shortly after hosting a political talk show on Metro FM 90.8 on Martin Road in Old Kampala.
Eyewitnesses described how five plain-clothed men from a waiting van grabbed Mukose as he left the station, ignored his questions, and sped away with him.
His attorney, Kato Tumusiime, revealed that suspected Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JATT) members later searched Mukose’s home in Lukuli-Nanganda, confiscating laptops and phones before holding him at Old Kampala police station under a vague inquiry, with no formal charges.
Mukose played a key role in the petition that led to the Constitutional Court’s March 17 ruling nullifying the Computer Misuse (Amendment) Act 2022 for procedural violations. He has also featured opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye on his shows.
Tumusiime attributed the detention to Mukose’s involvement in challenging the law, noting the seizure targeted communication devices as authorities seek alternative accusations.
The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) denounced the incident as a threat to press freedom, demanding Mukose’s immediate release and accountability from security forces.