Journalists banned from covering iron sheets court proceedings

By Elizabeth Ankunda

24^th July 2023

The Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala has banned journalists and the general public from taking photographs and videos in the ongoing trial of officials involved in the diversion of iron sheets meant for the Community Empowerment Program in Karamoja sub-region.

The order has been issued by Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga following a successful application by the lawyers representing  Karamoja Affairs Minister Mary Gorreti Kitutu, her brother Michael Naboya Kitutu and her Personal Assistant Joshua Abaho with whom she is jointly charged.

The Prosecution alleges that between June 2022 and January 2023 at the office of the Prime Minister’s Stores in Namanve, Mukono District, Kitutu caused a loss of 9,000 pre-painted Iron sheets by diverting them from the intended purpose of benefiting the Karamoja Community Empowerment Program to her own benefit and to the benefit of third parties.

It is also alleged that while at the same place, in January 2023, Kitutu and her Personal Assistant diverted 5,500 iron sheets for unrelated purposes and they ended up being received by third parties yet he was charged with the duty of keeping them in good and safe custody as the receiver.

Prosecution adds that  Kitutu’s brother received 100 pieces of iron sheets while in Namisindwa district which was part of those that the Minister and Abaho had connived to divert.

On Monday, the accused persons formally took a plea having been committed for trial in the High Court. However, their lawyers led by  James Akampumuza and  Paul Kuteesa objected to the hearing of the case in the presence of journalists saying the media has published biased stories which somehow is affecting their right to a fair trial.

According to Akampumuza, in order to avoid prejudice, and to avoid mob justice against their clients, Court reporters should be restricted to reporting only the events that have happened in court and not to engage in what he described as biased conclusions. He further prayed for now use of cameras except if they are specific for court use.

State Anthony Jonathan Muwaganya, however, disagreed with the defence on their prayers saying there is no evidence to show that journalists have been reporting with bias, saying those accusing the media have no specific media story to prove that journalists are bias and if the ban is instituted it will tantamount to gagging the media.

But in her ruling, Justice Kajuga agreed with the defence lawyers that live reporting may be prejudicial to the trial and cause interference and undue pressure, and the court has to create a conducive environment for any trials.

The Court appointed three assessors namely Rehema Babirye, Lydia Najjuko and Lawrence Mukasa who will follow the case and advise the court on whether to convict or acquit the accused persons at the conclusion of the full trial which will commence on August 11, 2023.

END