KTN’s Joy Doreen Biira speaks on her release by Ugandan authorities

KTN journalist, Joy Doreen Biira, who was arrested following an offensive by the Uganda People’s Defence Force at the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu Palace in Kasese District on Sunday, November 27, has confirmed her release.

“We are safe. (We have been) released on bond with charges of ‘abetting terrorism’. Thank you to each and every one of you for the incredible support. Gratitude,” tweeted Ms Biira.

According to documents seen by Citizen Digital, Ms Biira was also accused of taking photos in a restricted area.

The Ugandan-born journalist, who was in Uganda for her traditional marriage ceremony, is required to present herself at Kasese Police Station on December 8.

Biira, who hails from the Western Uganda Kingdom, was in the country for her traditional marriage which was held on Saturday.

The mother of one was arrested on Sunday, November 27, after she made social media posts about the Kasese Massacre in Western Uganda – violence that has claimed 55 lives so far.

State security forces had clashed with Ruwenzuru Kingdom loyalists, with the government accusing Ruwenzururu King, Charles Wesley Mumbere, of inciting locals to violence after militiamen reportedly attacked a police post in his hometown of Kasese.

According to Additional Inspector General of Police of Uganda Felix Kaweesi, Charles Wesley Mumbere failed to comply with terms specified in Government–Ruwenzururu Kingdom talks.

“We had negotiations with Charles Wesley Mumbere for almost a whole day but he failed to comply,” added Mr Kaweesi.

The king has, however, denied any involvement in the violence.

Government security forces stormed his palace amid claims he was harboring fighters, and it was at this time that Joy Doreen Biira and five others were arrested.

During an interview with NBS Television on Monday, November 28, Kaweesi stated that Joy Doreen Biira had ‘misbehaved’ by posting content about clashes on social media.

Social Media users had earlier demanded her immediate release, saying her arrest was an affront on media freedom.