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Journalists under the International Press Association of Uganda said they were “surprised and concerned” on learning that their colleague, Liam Taylor was being investigated by the Police.
Taylor is a British freelance journalist who has written for Aljazeera, Economist, Reuters, and African Business magazine, among other publications. He’s been based in Uganda since 2016 and his work has often centered on land wrangles and politics.
It was reported on Friday that the Police were looking into him on allegations that he was “harassing” officials from the Ministry of Lands.
But the Journalists’ Association noted in a statement that Taylor known and accredited by the Uganda Media Council.
He also has permission from the Directorate of Citizenship & Immigration Control to work in Uganda. He has also reported extensively from the country for seven years.
The association questioned the level of “harassment” that could have prompted a police investigation.
“Since 2016 Taylor has regularly interviewed Ugandan government officials – including senior ministers. He has also faithfully reported on Uganda for many international publications,” they said.
“In recent months, Taylor has been in communication with a public relations official and a minister at the Ministry of Lands, Housing & Urban Development. This is in an attempt to arrange an interview for an article on land disputes in Wakiso District, however, no one was made available.”
“Requesting an interview from public officials is normal journalistic practice. If any police investigation is underway, it may constitute an attempt to obstruct an accredited journalist from doing their job.”
The journalists’ association as such demanded “an immediate resolution to this issue and an end to harassment of journalists.” Police authorities are yet to officially comment on this incident.
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