Joy Doreen Biira, the KTN news anchor arrested in Uganda yesterday, is still being held for questioning by Ugandan security forces. She was apprehended while covering an offensive by the Uganda People’s Defence Force at the Obusinga Bwa Rwenzururu Palace in Kasese District on Sunday, which is being referred to as the Kasese Massacre.
Reports from Uganda indicate that police have launched investigation into her coverage. She was this morning handed over to Uganda’s Flying Squad unit which moved in to search her home for footage or photos she may have captured of the raid, though some unconfirmed reports say she has been released.
Joy Doreen was said to be in Kasese for a traditional ceremony when the offensive was launched at the palace. Ms Biira was arrested alongside her fiancé and three other people from her uncle’s house. Uganda police spokesman Felix Kaweesi confirmed in an interview with KTN that Ms Biira was detained overnight after she entered a restricted area during the operation by security personnel.
He said the journalist “crossed the line” and that she will be granted bond Monday. Joy Doreen Biira, a Ugandan citizen, hails from Rwenzururu kingdom. She described what she witnessed during the bloody chaos on her Instagram post before she was arrested by Uganda authorities.
“And I was present and watching when half of the palace of the kingdom I’m from burned down in front of my own eyes. some of the parts burnt down held the stronger part of my heritage #mykingdom #myheritage” Joy Doreen Biira wrote.
At least 55 people have been killed in a fierce fight between Ugandan soldiers and guards loyal to tribal king. Fighting erupted on Sunday November 28 when royal guards of the Rwenzururu kingdom tried preventing Uganda police and Uganda People Defense Force (UPDF) from raiding the king’s palace.
UPDF accused King Charles Wesley Mumbere of offering sanctuary to a separatist militia. Ugandan forces gave the king an ultimatum to release the militiamen before they finally stormed into his residence. 14 police officers and 41 rebels died in the clashes.
Her arrest touched off a social media storm with journalists demand her immediate release through #FreeJoyDoreen. Biira’s former colleague at KTN and also Ugandan citizen, Nancy Kacungira, also expressed shock following her arrest. “At a loss for words. A journalist, nay – any citizen, should not be spirited away without process or explanation. #FreeJoyDoreen” Nancy Kacungira tweeted.
Uganda Law Society has also demanded her released alongside other journalists held in the wake of the raid.
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