Manful Abeneitwe

#Uganda: @pressfreedom condemns Wednesday’s remand of @AlternativeUga journalist Arnold Anthony Mukose to prison until April 14 as a shameless attempt to re-criminalize online speech through the backdoor. Three days after he was snatched off the street, Mukose was charged, under Uganda Communications Commission @UCC_Official licensing regulations, with broadcasting “fake news” and “false signals” that First Lady Janet Museveni was dead, amid speculation over her absence from public view. “Silencing journalists through licensing regulations flies in the face of the spirit of last month’s Constitutional Court ruling striking down parts of the Cybercrime Act used to target online speech,” said CPJ Africa Director @angelaquintal. “Uganda should be strengthening protections for free expression, not repackaging old restrictions to silence critical reporting. Arnold Anthony Mukose must be released immediately and all charges dropped against him.” Read more: cpj.org/?p=577115

RE: SPEAKERSHIP RACE I wish to draw the attention of the public to the matters regarding the Speakership race. After wide consultations and deep introspection, and to maintain harmony and clarity in my beloved party, the @NRMOnline, I wish to categorically and unequivocally state that I will not be offering myself for the Speakership race of the 12th Parliament. I am greatly indebted to H.E @KagutaMuseveni, my party, the @NRMOnline, and members of the 11th Parliament for giving me the opportunity to serve as Deputy Speaker and Speaker. I am equally indebted to my family and friends for the solidarity and support they have extended to me over the last five years. I pledge my total support to the candidates who will be endorsed by the President and the Party, and Implore all colleague MPs of the 12th Parliament to do the same. I shall remain available to the service of my country as the party and the President may assign me. In the meantime, I pledge to continue cooperating with all ongoing investigations as initiated by the relevant organs of the state to get to the root of all the allegations raised. FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY. ANITA ANNET AMONG