By Evas Atwine
Kampala
Friday turned into a dark day for two journalists, Lukia Nantaba, a reporter with Next Media Services (NBS TV and Nile Post), and Moses Agaba, alias Seaman, formerly with ChimpReports and the now-defunct Red Pepper, after they were grilled by police for allegedly publishing false and malicious news targeting the Minister of State for Trade, Hon. David Bahati.
Earlier this week, Nantaba, a resident of Bushenyi District, authored and published an article on the Nile Post website claiming that Minister Bahati had announced he would not contest for the Ndorwa County West Parliamentary seat in the forthcoming general elections.
Shortly afterward, Agaba, a resident of Rushenyi, Ntungamo District, reportedly copied and republished the same story on ChimpReports and Red Pepper’s online platforms.
The two are also accused of spreading the article and an anonymous statement through various social media groups.The false reports quickly circulated and were even read on air by some unsuspecting radio journalists, including Naboth Isaac Niwagaba of Kabale-based Hope Radio.
The publication sparked outrage, with many condemning the journalists for what they called a deliberate attempt to spread malicious propaganda aimed at turning Minister Bahati’s supporters against him.
Critics argued that such conduct tarnishes the integrity of journalism and erodes public trust in the media.Faced with mounting backlash, NBS/Nile Post swiftly pulled down the article, acknowledging it was factually baseless and fabricated by the reporter.
Gyles Muhame, Director of ChimpReports, also admitted on Thursday that the story amounted to “evil propaganda” against the Minister.
On Friday afternoon, both Nantaba and Agaba were summoned by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) at Kabale Police Station, where they were interrogated for several hours over their role in publishing and circulating the fake news.
Witnesses said the pair “sweated plasma” as they struggled to explain why they had chosen fabrication over factual reporting and failed to quote credible or relevant sources.
The two later recorded statements, reportedly pleading guilty and asking for forgiveness. They were released on police bond the same evening and are expected to report back to police next week as investigations continue.
