FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UJA CONDEMNS RE-ARREST AND REMAND OF JOURNALIST ARNOLD MUKOSE, CALLS FOR HIS RELEASE
Kampala, Uganda – October 14, 2026
The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) is deeply concerned by the re-arrest and continued detention of journalist Mukose Arnold Anthony, who has been remanded to Luzira Prison until Friday, October 16, 2026, over charges that had previously been dropped.
Mukose was produced before the Law Development Centre (LDC) Court this afternoon following his re-arrest and detention at Old Kampala Police Station on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
His re-arrest occurred when he went to Old Kampala Police Station to retrieve his work equipment, including a laptop and mobile phones, which had been impounded during his initial arrest.
The journalist had previously faced charges relating to the alleged publication of false and distressing information concerning the First Lady, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni. The charges were subsequently dropped before his latest arrest.
The Uganda Journalists Association views the re-arrest and continued detention of Mukose with grave concern, particularly given that the charges he previously faced had been dropped. We consider the circumstances surrounding his re-arrest troubling and call upon the relevant authorities to respect his constitutional rights and ensure that journalists can carry out their professional duties without intimidation or harassment.
UJA reiterates that press freedom is a fundamental constitutional right and a cornerstone of democratic governance. Journalists must be allowed to perform their duties without fear of arbitrary arrest, intimidation or actions that undermine their ability to gather and disseminate information in the public interest.
We therefore call upon the authorities to ensure due process and safeguard Mukose’s rights, including his right to a fair hearing. UJA further calls for his unconditional release.
The Association has instructed its legal team to handle the matter and pursue all appropriate legal avenues to ensure that Mukose’s rights are protected and that he regains his freedom.
UJA will continue to monitor the developments in this case and stands firmly in defence of press freedom, the safety of journalists and the public’s right to information.
Journalism is not a Crime!
