Kawempe Chief Magistrates Court has issued directives that will be followed during the hearing of a case of unlawful drilling against Eddie Sebuufu aka Eddie Mutwe and 21 other Members of National Unity Platform (NUP).
This ruling resulted from an application which was made by
State Attorney Bruce Twongirwe, in which he asked the trial Magistrate to issue regulations of the media in hearing of this matter, saying that
unregulated live broadcast and social-media amplification may
compromise the integrity of the proceedings, affect witnesses, and risk prejudice to the due administration of justice.
However, this was later objected to by the defence side on grounds that it invokes the
constitutional guarantees of a public hearing, freedom of expression, freedom of the
press, and access to information.
“The hearing shall remain open to the public and to accredited members of the media. No order for proceedings in camera is made.” Ruled Her Worship Damalie Aguma Asiimwe
The Magistrate stated that, Live audio recording, live video recording, live photography, and live
streaming from inside the courtroom are prohibited.
“Fair, accurate and text-based reporting of proceedings heard in open court is permitted, subject always to the law of contempt and the sub judice rule. Media attendance may be subject to accreditation or verification by court administration, not as a device for exclusion, but for order, space management, and security.”
Court has also ruled that, no person shall publish or broadcast material identifying a protected witness, disclosing a witness address or personal contact, or recording a witness visually where the court has directed otherwise. If, during the trial, the prosecution or defense demonstrates a specific witness-protection concern,the court will make witness-specific protective orders.
Lastly, all counsel, parties, supporters, bloggers, journalists and members of the public are directed to refrain from commentary touching the merits of guilt or innocence, credibility of yet-to-testify witnesses, or publication of alleged evidence not yet received by court.
