KAMPALA — Four journalists were briefly detained on Monday at the General Court Martial in Makindye Military Barracks while covering the arraignment of former Chief of Military Intelligence James Birungi.
The journalists—Judith Kukunda of Uganda Radio Network (URN), Margaret Zalwango of New Vision, Christine Nabatanzi of Radio Simba, and Amina of Galaxy FM—were reportedly detained after being accused of accessing parts of the court premises without the required clearance.
According to reports from journalists and eyewitnesses at the court, the four had been assigned to cover proceedings in which Maj Gen Birungi, together with Peter Ahimbisibwe and Ephraim Byaruhanga, were being formally charged before the General Court Martial on allegations including treason, terrorism, corruption and murder.
The detention was reportedly ordered by Major Echeru, the Officer Commanding Prisons at Makindye Military Barracks, who was escorting Maj Gen Birungi during the court proceedings.
Sources at the court said security personnel confiscated the journalists’ mobile phones, cameras and other work equipment before escorting them away for questioning.
The four journalists were later released after recording statements with military authorities, allowing them to leave the barracks. Their equipment was reportedly returned following the process.
No official statement had been issued by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) or the General Court Martial explaining the circumstances surrounding the journalists’ detention or the specific areas they were alleged to have accessed without authorization.
The incident has sparked concern among media practitioners, who argue that journalists accredited to cover court proceedings should be allowed to carry out their work without undue interference, while respecting security protocols at military installations.
The General Court Martial, located within Makindye Military Barracks, operates under strict security procedures because it is situated inside an active military facility. Journalists covering proceedings are typically required to comply with access and accreditation requirements set by military authorities.
The detention occurred as the military court commenced proceedings against Maj Gen Birungi and his co-accused in one of the most high-profile cases involving senior UPDF officers in recent years.
By press time, neither the UPDF nor officials at the General Court Martial had publicly commented on the reported detention and subsequent release of the journalists.
