The detention of NBS TV’s Martin Okudi and Radio Amani’s Alfred Sida while covering residents presenting a petition to the Adjumani RDC has triggered public concern over press freedom and the handling of public grievances.
Residents across the West Nile region have condemned the arrest of two journalists in Adjumani District on Monday, October 26, 2026, following an incident involving residents who had gone to present a petition to Resident District Commissioner Swaib Toko.
The journalists, Martin Okudi, an NBS TV bureau chief, and Alfred Sida of Radio Amani 89.1 FM, were arrested alongside 15 residents who had gathered at the RDC’s office to present their concerns.
The arrests sparked debate on social media, with users questioning why journalists covering the incident were detained.
Okudi said Toko had instructed police at Adjumani Central Police Station to arrest him, Sida and some of the residents.
He said they spent nearly an hour in custody before police charged them with unlawful demonstration and released them on police bond.
According to Okudi, Toko later visited the police station and demanded a written apology for photographing and recording residents during the demonstration.
“The RDC said he wanted a written apology from me for taking pictures and shooting videos of residents who were demonstrating at his office. This apology won't be coming,” Okudi said.
He maintained that he was carrying out his professional duties by documenting an event of public interest.
Okudi also thanked his immediate supervisors for monitoring developments during his arrest and detention. He acknowledged the support of lawyers Patricia Ondoa and William Amanzuru, as well as the sureties who helped secure the journalists’ release.
Sida was also charged with unlawful demonstration before being released on police bond.
The arrests drew reactions from social media users across West Nile, with some questioning the treatment of journalists covering public complaints and the authorities’ response to the residents’ petition.
Christopher Amayo criticised the situation in Adjumani, writing, “Eeeeeeh.....Adjumani district seems to be out of Uganda.”
Emmanuel Jurugo linked the incident to rising fuel prices, arguing that authorities should prioritise concerns affecting residents’ daily lives.
“Diesel is 7,000, instead of talking about it, they are arresting Martin Okudi who has never contested in any Class monitor election,” Jurugo wrote.
The comments reflect frustration among some residents over the arrests amid concerns about the cost of living and public service delivery.
Journalists play a key role in documenting public events and informing citizens about issues affecting their communities, including petitions, demonstrations and engagements between residents and government officials.
The incident has renewed questions about how authorities handle public grievances and the treatment of journalists covering such events.
The RDC and police should be given an opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the arrests, including the basis for the charges and the reported demand for a written apology.