The Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) has demanded the immediate and unconditional release of journalist Remy Asiteza, who has been detained at the Kampala Central Police Station (CPS) for five days.
In a protest statement issued on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, UJA said Asiteza, a journalist with online news publication Daily Express, was arrested on August 11 in an operation allegedly involving security personnel attached to the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU).
According to the journalists’ body, Asiteza was arrested alongside his colleague, Hannington Mbabazi, who was reportedly picked up from Bweyogerere-Kirinnya using a drone and taken to the SHACU offices.
Mbabazi was later released on Thursday night without any charge being preferred against him, UJA said.
The association said police records list Babalanda and Masuumi as complainants, although the official charge against Asiteza remained unclear at the time of issuing the statement.
UJA linked Asiteza’s detention to a news story he published earlier this month concerning alleged corruption in the recruitment of Assistant Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and RDCs. The story reportedly stated that the recruitment process was being investigated following a presidential directive.
The association said it only became aware of Asiteza’s detention on the evening of Tuesday, August 17, and subsequently attempted to secure his release on police bond through its Secretary General, but the efforts were unsuccessful.
UJA said the continued detention raises concerns about the violation of the constitutional 48-hour requirement for suspects.
The association cited Article 23(4)(b) of the 1995 Constitution, which provides for a suspect to be brought before a court of law within 48 hours of arrest.
“UJA feels that his continued detention is a violation of the 48-hour rule,” the association said.
The journalists’ body also warned that the detention could amount to intimidation and interference with the independence of journalism.
“UJA therefore demands that journalist Asiteza be unconditionally and urgently released,” the association said, citing his detention beyond the legally stipulated period.
The association added that it is engaging legal teams to ensure that Asiteza regains his freedom.
The statement was signed by Emmanuel Kirunda, Secretary General of the Uganda Journalists Association.
