A Ugandan journalist has been ‘abducted’ after a radio talk show in Kampala, the Uganda Journalists Association (UJA) says. Journalist Arnold Anthony Mukose worked with DigiTalk Media, a digital news outlet.
Mukose was “abducted by unidentified plain-clothed men” in the afternoon of Sunday, March 29, 2026, the association said.
At about 1pm on Sunday, suspected security operatives swung in action and arrested Mukose outside a radio station in Kampala.
He had appeared on a talk show at Metro FM. On the discussion was the issue of Computer Misuse Act, which court recently nullified.
It is said that the suspected security operatives bundled Mukose into a vehicle and sped off.
“The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon at around 1pm just outside the main gate of Metro FM 90.8 along Martin Road in Old Kampala, Kampala Central, shortly after he had appeared on air to dissect issues surrounding the recently quashed Computer Misuse Act,” said UJA.
“According to eyewitness accounts, he was forcibly bundled into a grey Toyota Noah, which then sped off.”
Although the Uganda Journalists Association described the incident as an abduction, it said “individuals involved identified themselves as security officers.”
The association has condemned the ‘abduction,’ terming it as an attack on press freedom. It demanded an explanation on the incident.
“As the Uganda Journalists Association (UJA), we strongly condemn this unlawful abduction. Such actions are a direct attack on press freedom, freedom of expression, and the safety of journalists carrying out their professional duties,” further noted UJA in its statement on the incident involving Arnold Anthony Mukose.
“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Mukose Arnold Anthony. Furthermore, we call upon all relevant security agencies to urgently clarify the circumstances surrounding his abduction.”
Commenting on Mukose’s ‘abduction,’ human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza said: “This is a war on journalism and freedom of speech. We urge the Police to ensure his immediate release.”
Tumusiime Kato, another lawyer, said Mukose had been taken to “Old Kampala Police” before being “taken to his home [where the security operatives hoped] to conduct a search now.”
REVEALED: How Masaka Journalists’ Case Landed Eddie Mutwe, Other Bobi Wine Bodyguards in Trouble With Museveni State
Journalist Agather Atuhaire is EU Human Rights Defenders Award Winner
