Senior Reporter
Journalists based in Kabale have taken decisive action by gathering at the office of Kabale Resident District Commissioner, Godfrey Nyakahuma, to protest the continuous harassment and threats directed at them by Nelson Nshangabasheija, the Kabale district LCV Chairman.
The catalyst for this protest was an alarming incident where Nshangabasheija allegedly issued death threats against Jimmy Emmanuel, a journalist at Voice of Kigezi. The accusation was that Jimmy did not support Nshangabasheija. The confrontation occurred on a Tuesday at TikTok bar in Kigongi Central division, Kabale municipality. Nshangabasheija reportedly threatened harm, prompting intervention from other patrons and bar staff.
Despite Jimmy’s efforts to report the incident at Kabale Central Police station, officers refused to register the case without approval from the DPC. Subsequent attempts to follow up with Kabale District Police Commander Abel Ruganza proved fruitless, as promised callbacks went unanswered. Frustrated by the lack of action, the journalists sought assistance from RDC Nyakahuma.
Nshangabasheija’s alleged intimidation tactics go beyond verbal threats. He reportedly barred Jimmy from covering an award ceremony at Kabale District the previous week. Moreover, Nshangabasheija had previously threatened Kigezi Television Journalist Norbert Ndyamuhakyi, causing Ndyamuhakyi to live in fear.
Emphasizing the potential danger, Jimmy highlighted Nshangabasheija’s armed status and the risk associated with unfriendly encounters, particularly when he is intoxicated.
Upon approaching RDC Nyakahuma, he promptly called DPC Ruganza, instructing the registration of the case and summoning Nshangabasheija for investigation. Subsequently, the journalists went to the DPC’s office, where the case was officially registered, and Nshangabasheija was summoned to appear at Kabale Police station at 2:00 PM to provide his statement.
The case of threatening violence has been recorded at Kabale Central Police station under reference number SD REF: 31/01/12/2023. Jimmy urged the police to thoroughly investigate the matter, stressing the need for swift justice.
As of the latest update, Nshangabasheija’s known telephone numbers were switched off.
