Uganda: Activists ask govt to reopen CBS

Human rights activists want the central government to reopen the closed Central Broadcasting Service saying its continued closure is an infringement on the rights and freedom of expression media.

The activists are also holding the central government responsible for exacerbating last September riots which rocked Kampala and most part of central Uganda.

A report launched last week in Kampala by the Human Rights Network –Uganda titled; Documenting the grave violation of human rights by the State and demonstrators/rioters, recommends that within the shortest time possible the State should reopen the Buganda kingdom-affliated radio.

“The State should reopen the closed radio station, restore the programmes banned and guarantee the enjoyment of basic rights and freedom of expression and the media,” reads part of the report.

Efforts to talk to the government spokesperson Ms Kabakumba Masiko, were futile but Army Publicist; Lt. Col. Felix Kulaigye down played the report saying it was not wide enough to cover those who suffered at the hands of rioters.

“I don’t agree with that report because I don’t think they interviewed those who were clobbered by the rioters and those whose property was stolen,” he said on telephone yesterday.

The Broadcasting Council, the industry regulator, revoked CBS’s licence on September 10, accusing its presenters of allegedly fanning tribal sentiments during the riots that claimed 27 lives and left hundreds injured.

The HURNET report also asked the government to set up an independent commission of inquiry to investigate the actions of all persons alleged to have perpetrated human rights abuses during the riots.

ICC calls

Buganda’s Attorney General, Mr Apollo Makubuya asked the International Criminal Court to intervene like it did in the 2007 post election violence in neigobouring Kenya.

“It is our humble prayer that the ICC intervenes in this so that those who perpetuated violence pay for their sins,” he said.

- February 22, 2010 by Ismail Musa Ladu & Al-Mahdi Ssenkabirwa

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Source: www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/-/688334/866382/-/wilkom/-/index.html (accessed on 23.02.2010)