Bismark Isaac Olang, a journalist based in Lira, has won a civil lawsuit against former Lira Municipal Mayor Mike Ogwang Olwa Veve, who was found guilty of assaulting him while he was on duty.
High Court Judge Duncan Gaswaga ruled in Olang’s favor and ordered Ogwang to pay Shs 10 million in general damages and compensation, in addition to covering the legal costs of the case.
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The case stemmed from a January 18, 2020 incident during which Olang, who was covering a meeting at the Lira Municipal offices, was ordered to leave the venue. Despite complying and continuing to report from the entrance, Ogwang allegedly approached and assaulted him.
Backed by legal aid from the Human Rights Network for Journalists (HRNJ-Uganda) and represented by Walyemera Advocates, Olang filed the case, citing violations of his constitutional rights and press freedom.
Justice Gaswaga found that Ogwang’s actions—punching, slapping, and obstructing the journalist—contravened Articles 24, 27, 40(2), and 44(a) of the Constitution and ruled the attack unlawful. He stressed that journalists have a right to report without interference.
Olang welcomed the judgment as a victory not just for himself, but for the entire journalism community. “This ruling sends a clear message that the work of journalists deserves respect,” he said.
HRNJ-Uganda Executive Director Robert Ssempala praised Olang’s perseverance, stating, “This judgment upholds press freedom and serves as a stern warning to those who try to intimidate or attack journalists.”
The verdict comes amid growing concern over journalist safety, as highlighted in HRNJ-Uganda’s latest Press Freedom Index, which points to a troubling increase in restrictions and violence targeting media workers.
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