Masaka Journalists Boycott RCC Over Colleague's Prosecution

Journalists operating in the Greater Masaka region have collectively decided to stay away from official activities involving the Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Ahamada Washaki. This boycott, now in its third month, was initiated in May following the arrest and subsequent prosecution of journalist Frank Bwekumbule.

Bwekumbule, a reporter for Impact FM, was charged with computer misuse shortly after allegedly being assaulted in Masaka City. According to local media practitioners, they expected the RCC, who chairs the district security committee, to ensure the investigation of the assault and the protection of their colleague. Instead, they accuse Washaki of siding with the complainants and later appearing as a witness against Bwekumbule in court.

This action has led journalists to withdraw their participation in covering the RCC’s engagements and to refuse interviews, creating a significant rift. They state the boycott is a measure of solidarity with Bwekumbule and a stand against the intimidation of media professionals. “When you hurt our colleague, you hurt all of us,” one anonymous journalist stated, emphasizing the need for unity within the fraternity.

RCC Washaki has downplayed the impact of the boycott, suggesting that government programs will continue to be covered by other media outlets. He also alleged that some journalists have political affiliations that influence their coverage and pointed to demands for facilitation as a strain on relations. However, he denied being a prosecution witness, a claim that Bwekumbule refutes, citing court documents.

The Greater Masaka Journalists Association stated that the boycott is about defending the dignity of their profession. The ongoing standoff has prompted calls for dialogue to mend relations, highlighting broader concerns about journalist safety and media freedom in Uganda.

Read more about this developing story on the Daily Monitor.