A Lira journalist won his court battle against a former city mayor who attacked him during work. Justice Duncan Gaswaga ordered Mike Ogwang Olwa Veve to pay Bismark Isaac Olang 10 million shillings for damages. The judge also made Ogwang cover all legal costs from the lawsuit. Olang works for Unity FM radio station and was doing his job when the assault happened. Human Rights Network for Journalists helped him fight the case through Walyemera Advocates law firm.
The attack took place on January 18, 2020, at Lira Municipal offices during a public meeting. Officials told Olang to leave the room, but he kept reporting from the doorway area. Ogwang became angry and confronted the reporter outside the meeting hall. The mayor punched and slapped Olang before stopping him from continuing his media work. Court records show Ogwang violated multiple parts of Uganda's Constitution through his violent actions.
Justice Gaswaga ruled that the mayor broke laws protecting free speech and media rights. The court declared that blocking journalists from reporting violates their constitutional freedoms. Olang celebrated the decision and said it protects all media workers across the country. Robert Ssempala from the journalists' rights group praised Olang for fighting back against the attack. The ruling warns other officials not to use violence against reporters.
The attack took place on January 18, 2020, at Lira Municipal offices during a public meeting. Officials told Olang to leave the room, but he kept reporting from the doorway area. Ogwang became angry and confronted the reporter outside the meeting hall. The mayor punched and slapped Olang before stopping him from continuing his media work. Court records show Ogwang violated multiple parts of Uganda's Constitution through his violent actions.
Justice Gaswaga ruled that the mayor broke laws protecting free speech and media rights. The court declared that blocking journalists from reporting violates their constitutional freedoms. Olang celebrated the decision and said it protects all media workers across the country. Robert Ssempala from the journalists' rights group praised Olang for fighting back against the attack. The ruling warns other officials not to use violence against reporters.
