Ex-Lira mayor ordered to pay Shs 10m to assaulted journalist

Lira-based journalist, Bismark Isaac Olang has won a civil case against former Lira municipal mayor Mike Ogwang Olwa Veve for physically assaulting him while on duty.

Justice Duncan Gaswaga of the High court in Lira ruled in Olang’s favour and ordered Ogwang to pay Shs 10 million in compensation and general damages. He was also directed to cover the taxed costs of the suit.

The case arose from a January 18, 2020, incident, when Olang, who was reporting on a meeting at the Lira Municipal offices, was ordered out of the room. He continued reporting from the entrance, but Ogwang confronted and physically assaulted him.

With legal support from Human Rights Network for Journalists (HRNJ-Uganda) and representation by Walyemera Advocates, Olang challenged the attack as a violation of his constitutional rights and journalistic freedom.

Justice Gaswaga ruled that Ogwang’s actions including punching, slapping, and blocking Olang from doing his job violated Articles 24, 27, 40(2), and 44(a) of the Constitution. He declared the restriction unlawful and emphasized journalists’ right to report freely.

Reacting to the verdict, Olang expressed satisfaction, calling the ruling a win for all journalists. “This judgment sends a strong message that our work must be respected,” Olang said.

HRNJ-Uganda executive director Robert Ssempala lauded Olang’s resilience and said the ruling should serve as a caution to individuals who harass media workers.

“This victory is a testament to the importance of press freedom. It should serve as a warning to those who believe they can silence journalists through violence and intimidation,” said Ssempala.

The ruling comes as HRNJ-Uganda’s latest Press Freedom Index shows an alarming rise in restrictions on media access and growing incidents of violence against journalists.