Journalists threatened over continued exposure of insecurity in Karamoja

Moroto, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Moroto based radio journalists are panicking after unknown warriors threatened their lives. The threats were issued through letters that were dropped at Akica and Ateker radio stations in Moroto district early this week.

In the letters, four-morning show presenters were issued with warnings over what the warriors described as continuous discussions on the security situation in Karamoja. The warned include, Timothy Eodu and Catherine Alany of Akica FM, and Fiona Nambuya and Innocent Kodet of Ateker FM.

According to Timothy Eodu, one of the targeted presenters, the letters are asking them to stop disseminating information relating to cattle raids and killings in the region. He notes that the authors of the letter claim that it is the publicity by radio stations in the region that is drawing government attention as well as the heavy deployment of security heads to the region.

The letters that are now being scrutinized by security teams in Moroto warn that the journalists risk their lives if they continue with such publicity. Eodu notes that the letters seem to be written by an organized group of people.

However, Munirah Suwed, the News Editor at Ateker FM in Moroto district says that whereas the warriors are turning their guns on the journalists, they are not shying away from reporting about issues of insecurity in the region. She explains that the situation has forced them to adjust their programming especially for the early morning team and late-night programs.

Mike Longole, the Mt. Moroto regional police spokesman says they are investigating the matter and beefing up security in areas where journalists operate. Longole like all the journalists who spoke with our reporter observe that the threats seem to be orchestrated by both elites and the warriors.

Since January this year, at least 52 people have been killed by armed warriors in Karamoja. However, on Monday, residents of Moroto woke up to the mysterious death of three people in different parts of the district. The deaths were reported in Namijimij village in Nadunget sub-county, Nakapelimen in South Division and another in Rupa sub-county. Although the death in Rupa was attributed to rifles, the others are yet to be disclosed.

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URN