JUST IN: CMI Ordered to Release Media Centre Boss Who Has Been Detained for Two Months

The chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) Mariam Wangadya has directed Maj Gen James Birungi, the commandant of the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), to release Obed Katureebe, an official at the Uganda Media Centre. 

In a release order issued on July 04, as a ruling in the complaint in which Katureebe was the complainant and CMI the respondent, the UHRC Chairperson made it clear to the chieftaincy of military intelligence that the commission was certain that Katureebe was either in their detention or being restricted by them.

Terming the detention and restriction ‘unlawful,’ UHRC has warned of legal consequences if CMI defies its order.

“Whereas Obed Katureebe has been in your custody since the 2nd day of May 2022 and whereas the Commission is satisfied that the said person is being unlawfully detained and/or restricted,” wrote the UHRC Chairperson.

“This is to direct you to cause the immediate release of the said Obed Katureebe from your custody forthwith failure of which you may be liable for contempt under Article 53(1) (d) of the Constitution.”

Working for a top government communications agency that the Uganda Media Centre is, Katureebe has been in detention for a little over two months and is yet to be arraigned before a competent court of law.

When news of his arrest became public, Katureebe’s boss Ofwono Opondo said he was being protected by the security agencies for his own safety. (Read Story Here).