Media Freedom Under Spotlight After UJU Condemns Journalist’s Arrest
Mukose, a journalist attached to Alternative Digitalk Media and serving as its Programme Director, was reportedly arrested on Sunday, March 29, 2026, shortly after hosting a talk show discussing recent court decisions nullifying sections of the Computer Misuse Act. According to reports, he was picked up in broad daylight outside his office near Metro FM radio station in Kampala by unidentified plainclothes security operatives.
The Uganda Journalists Union (UJU) has strongly condemned the abduction and incommunicado detention of journalist Mukose Arnold Anthony, describing the incident as a grave attack on press freedom and a growing threat to media practitioners in Uganda.
Mukose, a journalist attached to Alternative Digitalk Media and serving as its Programme Director, was reportedly arrested on Sunday, March 29, 2026, shortly after hosting a talk show discussing recent court decisions nullifying sections of the Computer Misuse Act. According to reports, he was picked up in broad daylight outside his office near Metro FM radio station in Kampala by unidentified plainclothes security operatives.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that Mukose was forcefully taken to his residence, where a search was conducted before he was later transferred to a police facility. His detention without immediate access to legal representation or communication has raised widespread concern within the media fraternity.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, UJU President Evelyne Nalule condemned the manner in which the journalist was arrested and detained, emphasizing the need for law enforcement agencies to adhere to due process. She noted that if Mukose had committed any offense, he should have been formally summoned by police, allowed to record a statement, and, where necessary, produced before a competent court of law to answer any charges.
“Journalists have a noble duty to collect, process, and disseminate information to the public using a multiplicity of sources at their disposal without fear or favour,” Nalule stated.
The union further warned that such actions risk creating a chilling effect within the media, potentially undermining journalists’ ability to operate freely and independently. UJU described the incident as part of a broader pattern perceived to intimidate journalists, restrict access to information, and suppress freedom of expression in the country.
The arrest has sparked concern among journalists, legal experts, and human rights advocates, many of whom are now calling for Mukose’s immediate and unconditional release.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala confirmed that Mukose is in police custody, adding that he is expected to be produced in court to face charges, although details of the alleged offenses remain unclear.
Mukose is known for hosting high-profile and often controversial figures on his programs, including opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who is currently incarcerated. His work has positioned him as a prominent voice in Uganda’s online media space.
UJU, through its General Secretary Stephen Ouma Bwire, reiterated its commitment to defending journalists’ rights and urged authorities to uphold constitutional guarantees of press freedom and the rule of law.
The incident adds to ongoing concerns about the safety and independence of journalists in Uganda, with stakeholders warning that continued violations could undermine democratic governance and public trust in institutions.
As calls for accountability intensify, the media fraternity remains on edge, closely monitoring developments surrounding Mukose’s detention and the government’s response to growing demands for his release.
