Journalist Forced to Apologize, Withdraw Story on Alleged PDM Bribes in Kabale

By Libino Byamukama.

The Kabale District Deputy RDC, Michael Muramira Kyakashari, has ordered a Kabale-based journalist, Vanansio Mbabazi Kakogoso, to make a public apology and withdraw a publication accusing the Bushuuro Parish Chief, Mrs. Blessing Mugabi Agaba, of demanding bribes from PDM beneficiaries. The story, published by The Source UG on March 28 and authored by Vanansio Kakogoso, claimed that Mugabi had been soliciting bribes of between 100,000 and 200,000 shillings from each beneficiary.

The RDC’s office investigated the story and found that locals allegedly quoted in the story had not spoken to Kakogoso about the PDM bribes. They defended Agaba as a good parish chief, saying Kakogoso had personal issues with her, stemming from his wife not receiving PDM funds, and had sought to tarnish Agaba’s name.

Deputy RDC Michael Muramira Kyakashari ordered Kakogoso to apologize to Agaba and withdraw the story, calling him a “negative journalist” and banning him from covering the RDC office. He also urged the Uganda Media Council to punish Kakogoso for publishing false information.

Kakogoso has apologized to Agaba, but she wants the story withdrawn and an apology issued on the same platforms where it was published, threatening to sue if he does not comply.