Online publishers under their umbrella body Independent Online Journalists Association-Uganda (INDOJA-U) and Human Rights Network For Journalits (HRNJ) have demanded the immediate release of one of their colleagues, Stanley Ndawula, who was kidnapped Saturday morning.
Ndawula, the Editor and the Chief Executive Officer of ‘The Investigator’, an online publication was reportedly forcefully arrested at around 1am at his lounge- ‘Yaya’ on Bukoto Street.
INDOJA-U says if Ndawula has crimes he committed, he should be produced before relevant authorities in accordance with the laws of Uganda without violating his rights.
The Investigator is a member of INDOJA-U. Other members include Business Focus, The Spy, Soft Power, Spy Reports, the Grapevine to mention a few.
“We condemn Ndawula’s kidnap in strongest terms possible…We appeal to all security organs to assist in search of our colleague,” INDOJA-U Acting President Andrew Irumba said in a statement dated July 28.
He added: “We also appeal to the general public to report any clues that could lead us to his whereabouts as both the media fraternity and his family members are in total fear.”
According to an account by one of the employees at Yaya lounge, Ndawula was grabbed by men wearing what appeared to be army uniform and green caps.
“He was thrown into the vehicle in which they had come, a Toyota Hilux which sped off up Bukoto Street. As of now, Stanley’s location and reason for arrest are unknown,” The Investigator posted on its official facebook page.
One of his family members, Robert Ndawula says that his brother is believed to have been picked by ISO operatives.
Other Sources said Ndawula had got chilling information against the security of running a safe house in Kyengera that was torturing suspects.
HRNJ President Robert Ssempala said Ndawula’s rights must not be violated.
INDOJA-U and HRNJ are working tirelessly to ensure that his rights don’t continue to be stampeded upon.
Last year, Stanley and his brother Robert Ndawula were arrested, detained at Kira road police and later charged with disturbing peace of former Inspector General of Police Gen Kale Kayihura, who is now detained.
But the case was dismissed after Kayihura lost interest in the case.
