Teso Journalists Outraged Over Detention of NTV Correspondent John Kenneth Odele

Media practitioners in the Teso sub-region have raised their voices in strong condemnation following the arrest and prolonged detention of NTV Uganda correspondent John Kenneth Odele. The local press corps is demanding that security agencies immediately clarify the exact allegations facing the journalist and provide the legal basis for his continued holding.

Odele, who reports for the Nation Media Group in the region, was picked up on Tuesday while covering a security meeting at Soroti University. The gathering had been convened by the Minister of Security, Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Jim Muhwezi. Following his apprehension, the reporter was initially detained at Soroti East Division Police Station without having recorded a formal statement or facing official charges.

A delegation of journalists visited the station to check on Odele’s welfare and seek answers from local authorities. During the visit, officers suggested the case involved treason allegations handled by the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence. Plans were reportedly made to transfer him to CMI headquarters in Kampala.

The Teso Journalists for Community Empowerment (TEJFOCE) issued a strongly worded statement signed by Vice Chairman Robert Edwomu. The organization emphasized that their appeal is not meant to obstruct lawful investigations, but rather to demand fairness, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law.

The arrest takes place against a backdrop of heightened security concerns across Teso, which have left local media workers feeling increasingly vulnerable and intimidated while performing their daily duties.

Read the full report on The Observer.