Central Broadcasting Service (CBS fm) Kalangala district correspondent Ronald Ssembuusi is reported to have received death threats from former Kalangala boss Daniel Kikola over a news story.
The problem stemmed from a news story aired on the radio on 17th/November/2011 which alleged that the former district boss in being investigated for his involvement in the disappearance of solar panels.
Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) has learnt that after the story was aired, Kikola called and invited the journalist to his home but he declined. Several calls followed and Kikola allegedly asked the journalist why he refused to go to his resident. As he was hanging up his last call, he allegedly threatened the complainant that something strange will happen to him.
Over 80 solar panels were donated by the African Development Bank through the ministry of water and environment in 2010 to help in circulating clean and safe water in Kalangala Town Council. Unfortunately, about 40 (forty) are missing.
Since 14th/November/2011, police has been investigating officials who were allegedly involved. Several suspects have been arrested and about 21 solar panels have been recovered.
“I called Mr. Kikola for a comment after coming across his name on the list of those police is supposed to investigate and he refuted allegations saying the solar panels at his home were among those donated saying he purchased them years ago.
Ssembuusi added that after getting the comment he wrote the story and it was later aired which triggered the endless calls.
He has also reported that he has filed a case at Kalangala police station.