We did not assault any journalist covering Kirumira case- Police

Police have denied assaulting any journalist who had turned up to cover former Buyende District Police Commander Muhammad Kirumira’s case at the Force’s headquarters in Naguru.

At around 10:00am, the police vehicle carrying Kirumira arrived, prompting journalists to set their gadgets but they were not allowed to film the activity.

Four police officers would then turn to them and battered them.

“They ordered for the confiscation of journalists’ equipment before starting to beat us,” Ponsiano Nsimbi, a Bukedde newspaper journalist narrates.

“They told us we could not access the police court unless we had official invitation letters from the chairman Denis Odongpiny.”

Bukedde Television reporter Suleiman Mutebi said the police officers targeted his camera prompting him to run for his dear life. In the scuffle one Ponsiano Nsimbi was injured.

However, Police spokesperson Emilian Kayima dismissed reports that journalist was assaulted.

“I have spoken to the chairman Police Disciplinary Court and he confirmed to me that as far as he is concerned, no journalist was assaulted. However, they were stopped from covering the proceedings because of the excitement it kept creating on the side of the defaulter, ASP Muhammad Kirumira,” Kayima said.

“It was a measure to control tempers. And surely, without the cameras, he is reported to have behaved well. For purposes of getting to the root of it, getting justice done, may l kindly request those allegedly assaulted to record statements with the police at Jinja road police station to facilitate a thorough investigation into the matter,” he added.

Meanwhile, the police disciplinary court has finally been released embattled Buyende DPC on bail.

Kirumira who is accused of a number of offences related to torture, corruption and unnecessary exercise of authority was previously given stringent terms including presenting a police officer above his rank.

He would later storm out of the court protesting against unfair terms.

On Thursday, Kirumira who is at the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police presented Assistant Commissioner of Police Sam Omara to stand as his surety.

The embattled police officer was later released on bail however with stringent terms.

He was asked to report to the Professional Standards Unit everyday before being stopped from speaking to the media and posting on social media about police issues.

 

http://nilepost.co.ug/2018/02/22/shame-as-police-beats-journalists-covering-dpc-kirumira-case/