BUKWO, UGANDA: Police in Bukwo District have launched a manhunt for a group of unknown people who allegedly kidnapped and beat up a journalist moments after he hosted an anti-corruption show at a local radio station.
The Victim identified as Eric James Sawani is a journalist and talkshow host at Sabiny FM based in Bukwo District was on Thursday morning found lying unconscious along Bukwo river by passersby who rushed him to Bukwo hospital where he is currently fighting for his life.
Sawani is said to have been dumped along the way by unknown people who allegedly kidnapped him at around 8pm as he headed home after finishing his radio show.
Bukwo RDC, Mr Samuel Hashaka Mpimbaza, confirmed the incident and said he was alerted about Sawani’s beating and with the help of police rushed him to hospital where he’s currently receiving treatment. According to Hashaka, Sawani is currently in a stable condition and improving greatly.
Mr Nicholas Emangat, the Bukwo district acting police commander said they have opened up a general inquiry file and appealed to residents to help volunteer information that could lead to the arrest of the assailants.
“We call upon whoever knows the people who beat up the journalist to give information to police so that they face the law,” he said.
Mr Johnson Chemonges, a member of Bukwo anti-corruption monitors said some district officials implicated in corruption scandals could be behind the attack.
“I don’t think people who beat up Mr Sawani are very far. These are people employed in Bukwo district because most of them are not happy with whoever talks against corruption in Bukwo. Now they have targeted this man because he hosts an anti-corruption radio show, “he said.
Mr Chemonges said he and his other colleagues in the fight against corruption have received threatening messages.
Bukwo district officials have been in the media spotlight over corruption scandals that have resulted into loss of billions of money by the district. Several district leaders have in the recent past been interdicted over corruption.
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