By Johannah Nantongo
National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi popularly known as Bobi Wine has called for immediate or lawful prosecution of journalist Arnold Anthony Mukose if any charges exist.
Mukose, a journalist attached to Alternative Digitalk Media, is said to have been picked up on Sunday by individuals identifying themselves as security operatives shortly after appearing on a political talk show on Metro FM in Kampala.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Kyagulanyi described the incident as part of a broader pattern of repression targeting journalists and dissenting voices.
“Mr. Arnold Mukose, a journalist with the Alternative Digitalk media, was abducted two days ago after concluding a talkshow.”
He added that the situation escalated further when security personnel reportedly attempted to arrest the media outlet’s proprietor.
“Yesterday, the military also attempted to abduct Digitalk’s proprietor, Norman Tumuhimbise, when they raided his home.”
Kyagulanyi noted that Mukose’s whereabouts remain unknown, raising concern about his safety and the legality of the operation.
“The whereabouts of Arnold, and the justification for these actions, are currently unknown.”
The opposition leader insisted that authorities must either produce Mukose in court or release him unconditionally, stressing the importance of due process.
“We demand that the regime respect Arnold’s rights by either setting him free or allowing him the due process of law if he committed any crime.”
He further criticised what he described as continued persecution of citizens over their political views.
Mukose’s reported arrest comes amid heightened scrutiny of the recently nullified Computer Misuse (Amendment) Act, 2022, which he had legally challenged alongside other petitioners.
Sources indicate that Mukose had appeared on a political programme at Metro FM 90.8 in Old Kampala shortly before he was taken away on Sunday.
Witnesses say the individuals who picked him up claimed to be security operatives, although no official communication has been issued by authorities regarding his arrest.
Press freedom advocates have in recent months raised concerns about increasing intimidation of journalists, particularly those covering political affairs, warning that such actions risk undermining constitutional rights and democratic principles.
