Seasoned journalist Andrew Mwenda has condemned the arrest of Watchman Ministries lead Preacher Joseph Kabuleta over offensive communication against the person of the President.
In a tweet on Friday, Mwenda said the arrest of former New Vision Sports journalist was archaic, intolerable and unacceptable.
He said Ugandans have every right to offend President Yoweri Museveni since they hire him to serve them and so they should be free to express their anger at how he is running the country.
“The arrest of Joseph Kabuleta for “offending the president” is archaic, intolerable and unacceptable! Ugandans have every right to offend the president. They hire him to serve them. They should be free to express their anger at how he is running the country justifiably or not! Uganda is a republic not a monarchy, the president is elected by citizens, not anointed by birth; power belongs to the people not to the president who only exercises it on their behalf. So citizens have every right to make judgment of how they think/feel he is performing!” Mwenda tweeted.
Kabuleta was arrested yesterday evening from Drew & Jacs Lugogo’s Forest Mall by a vehicle whose number plate read UBB 459D. Drew & Jacs is Kampala’s coffee shop & restaurant that blends in a patisserie to offer you your best meal & dessert.
According to Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga, Kabuleta repeatedly posted grossly offensive messages on Facebook, under “Joseph Kabuleta Weekly Rant Returns,” referring to the Fountain of Honor as “a Gambler, Thief and Liar”. Section 25 of the Computer Misuse Act, 2011, criminalizes such acts of communication.
“We once again want to caution all those who glorify such communication particularly through social media, that though it is public space, it is not protected. Therefore, any postings of false fabrications will attract punishment in accordance with the laws,” said Enanga in a statement dated July 12, 2019.
“The public is further advised to think first about what they say on social media. The joint forces will continue using the acquired capabilities to monitor comments on social media and any offenders will be investigated and punished. Investigations into the conduct of Joseph Kabuleta are ongoing and more information will be availed as investigations unfold.”
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