The police in Kiira region have confirmed that investigation is the next step in the alleged threats against Jinja based radio presenters who claim fearing for their dear lives.
Three seasoned radio presenters last week revealed that their lives are undergoing a dangerous threat after receiving messages threatening to end their lives.
These include popular comedian, Hussein Muyonjo also known as Swengere, attached to Baba FM and Hassan Muwanga and the long-time Luganda news anchor, Rogers Mbajjwe. Muwanga and Mbajjwe are known for the “Ebyekusifu”, an evening show comprising analysis of current affairs at Busoga one fm.
The group on Monday lodged in a threatening violence case (SDREF: 74/29/01/24) at Jinja CPS seeking security for their lives and thorough investigations into the disturbing moments of intimidations, urging police to swiftly take action.
“Police have informed us that our matter will be forwarded to CID headquarters in Kampala and detectives will take oath in court to retrieve a print-out from the telcom company to identify the perpetrator,” Swengere told reporters at Jinja CPS on Monday.
“We don’t want to be among those whose lives have been ended by shooting by unknown people. Police should utilize all the tactics to identify the owner of the telephone number that is sparking fear,” stated Mbajjwe, adding that they no longer enjoying nights from their houses and their duties are jeopardized due to the fear.
The purported caller who identified himself as a SFC commando, first made a phone call on Thursday January 25, to Swengere and further continued with text messages using 0758077752.
“I have ur contract to get you. I have 120 bullet rounds of gun for you and and your family, Mbajjwe, Muwanga,” reads the screenshot text message shared by Swengere.
Muwanga who hosts the Busoga one fm’s political show know as Cross Fire on Sunday, is optimistic that their works could have hurt some individuals who are purportedly resorting to opening fire on the popular journalists.
However, police vowed to take the necessary legal actions to apprehend the culprits behind the threats.
SP James Mubi the Kiira region police publicist, highlighted police’s responsibilities of offering non discriminative services to all people regardless of their race, nationality, religion and political affiliations among others and emphasized the significance of taking personal security serious.
The three embattled broadcasters are renowned subscribers of the National Unity Platform (NUP), eyeing for political offices. Swengere prefers Jinja North constituency in Jinja city while Muwanga and Mbajjwe are eyeing for Njeru municipality in Buikwe district.
“All those intending to contest for elective political position at different levels should behave and stop causing chaos, violence, defacing posters, engaging in politics of division and high-handedness.” He expressed police’s determination of arresting anybody who would violate security guidelines while acting political stunts,” said Mubi.
The officer cautioned threatened pressmen against giving police wrong information, faking own kidnaps and causing malicious damage to properties to gain public sympathy.
He added that; “They should desist from misusing social media by fabricating stories that don’t exist, violating rights of others like right to privacy, torture in all its forms, defamation, inciting the public, taking part in unlawful assemblies and getting involved in character assassination tendencies among others.”
