KAMPALA, Uganda The High Court of Uganda at Lira has ordered former Mayor Ogwang Olwa Veve to pay shs. 10 million in compensation and general damages to journalist Bismark Isaac Olang.

The case arose from an incident on January 18, 2020, when Olang was covering a meeting at the Lira municipal offices when Ogwang physically assaulted Olang.

Justice Duncan Gaswaga found that Ogwang’s actions, including punching, slapping, and restricting Olang from performing his duties, violated Articles 24, 27, 40(2), and 44(a) of the Constitution.

Justice Gaswanga ruled that the unlawful restriction placed upon Olang infringed upon his rights. In his orders, he directed Ogwang to pay Olang 10 million shillings, split equally between compensation and general damages. Ogwang was also ordered to pay the taxed costs of the suit.

Human Rights Network for Journalists (HRNJ)—Uganda Executive Director Robert Ssempala said that Olang’s pursuit of justice should serve as an example to powerful individuals who violate journalists’ rights.

The Human Rights Network for Journalists (HRNJ) 16th edition of the Press Freedom Index report stated that press freedom in Uganda continued to face profound instability despite moments of progress, most notably a significant court ruling affirming the constitutional rights of journalists.