By Mubiru Ivan
Lira-based Unity Radio station still remains off air, almost a week after it was closed.
Six of the station’s journalists were on Tuesday rearrested for allegedly for inciting violence that led to protests that rocked Lira town following the death of Dickens Okello. The 11- year-old pupil of Alito Primary School in Lira District was allegedly murdered by two Indian nationals
The journalists were first arrested last Saturday along with two radio clients before they were released on police bond on Monday.
Those incarcerated include; Charles Odongo -technical director, Keneth Opio-Assistant station manager, Felix Ogwang-presenter, Moses Alwala-news reporter, Micheal Ogwal-news anchor, Aron Ebwola-producer, Okello Emmanuel Zumulamai and Junior Engola both clients who had brought business announcements to the radio.
“Our bond has been cancelled. We have been rearrested. The Lira DPC says he has orders from above that we should be taken inside,” Ebwola, one of the arrested journalists posted on his Facebook timeline.
Lira District Police Commander (DPC) Joel Tubanone confirmed the re-arrest of the journalists.
“We gave them bond on Monday because the 48 hours had expired; we received a call from the State Attorney yesterday that their file was ready. So when the suspects reported, we rearrested them but we are taking them to court anytime now,” said Tubanone.
The Director of Unity FM, Uhuru Jimmy described the attack on the station as political persecution stemming from the radio consistently holding different district leaders to account to the local community on service delivery as a result of funds received from the government.
It is alleged that Okello was killed by the Indians on November, 6 on his way back home. The locals were not satisfied with the manner in which police in Lira had handled the matter, hence prompting them to riot.
The two Indians have since been remanded.
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