Kabuleta followers storm SIU to demand his release

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Supporters of  journalist and pastor of Watchman Ministries Joseph Kabuleta stormed the Special Investigations Division (SIU) headquarters in Kireka this morning demanding his release.

Kabuleta was picked up by plain cloth detectives ahead of his Friday evening fellowship last week at UMA show grounds in Kampala.

He was locked up at the Special Investigations Division (SIU) headquarters in Kireka on charges of offensive communication in regards to his Facebook post “Kabuleta’s weekly rants” in which he reportedly referred to the President as a Liar, Thief and Gambler.

However, Kabuleta, a former journalist at The New Vision, is yet to appear in court since his arrest on Friday evening. Police are required to produce suspects in court within 48 hours from arrest. The continued detention of Kabuleta has riled his supporters and members of his church.

This morning, more than 40 people donning T-shirts with the inscription Free Kabuleta “Freedom of Expression Online” stormed SIU in Kireka demanding his immediate release.

The team that started converging at SIU from 8:30am pitched camp at the entrance and started exchanging words with police.

Police only allowed in a team of lawyers led by Daniel Walyemera to access Kabuleta and ordered the remaining group to wait from somewhere else.

Drama unfolded when the group enclosed the place immediately before the Police unit. and started fellowshipping as they demanded for Kabuleta’s release.

They chanted Free JK prompting the deployment of Anti-riot Police and Local Defense Unit. Police tried in vain to negotiate with the protesters to vacate the area, saying they don’t have permission to assemble.

Evelyn Kasiri, one of the protestors told URN all they want are answers from Police on why Kabuleta is still locked up beyond the mandatory 48 hours without appearing before court.

Abraham Mirembe, one of the leaders of the Watchman Ministries, accused police of denying Kabuleta access to his expectant wife, Doctor and lawyers in disregard of his rights.

The Officer in Charge of Kireka, Desteo Ahumuza who led the operation against the protestors, said they don’t know the intentions of the group, whose numbers kept increasing.

He told the protesters that Kabuleta would be arraigned in court but didn’t specify when.

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URN