Kirunda says the duo was arrested by the security personnel who introduced themselves to the suspects as the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) staff.
Uganda Journalists Association (UJA), a body governing journalists in Uganda have issued a statement concerning the continued detention of two journalists, Eric Yiga of Salt TV and Ivan Kimbowa of Uganda Radio Network (URN).
In a statement issued on Sunday July 20, 2025, signed by Emmanuel Kirunda, the UJA Secretary General, he says Kimbowa and Yiga were arrested on Saturday July 19, from Mukono and whisked to Kampala Central Police Station for interrogation.
Kirunda says the duo was arrested by the security personnel who introduced themselves to the suspects as the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) staff.
He says they were arrested in connection to the story recently published about the Mukono Education Officer, Faridah Nassolo and her husband in regards to the ongoing operations and investigations in regards to the jobs-for-sale scandals by the Mukono District Service Commission.
“The ongoing detention of these journalists is a serious concern to us as it poses adverse effects on the press freedom landscape in this country. Going forward, the Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) therefore, demands for their immediate unconditional release from detention,” reads part of UJA’s statement, adding;
“We have also instructed our legal team to explore ways in ensuring that those journalists regain their freedom.”
According to the latest information, the suspects were on Saturday evening transferred from CPS to Jinja Road Police Station where they spent the night.
When contacted, SHACU spokesperson, Mariam Natasha denied knowledge about the arrest of the journalists by SHACU.
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Recently, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit evaded Mukono district after roaming allegations of corruption which had marred the District Service Commission recruitment exercise.
At least the DSC chairperson, Eng. Godfrey Kisuule Kibuuka and the Mukono District Speaker, Betty Hope Nakasi were arrested, detained at Mukono Central Police Station before being transferred to CPS in Kampala.
Other suspects who were also arrested include Dr. Saad Wataba of Lugazi Municipality, Ronald Mugerwa Ssaku and others who are yet to be identified.
However, all the suspects were released on police bond pending investigations.