Video director gunned down in western Uganda, motive unknown

Reporters Without Borders is saddened to learn that independent TV director Amon Thembo Wa'Mupaghasya was shot dead at around 1 a.m. on 12 May as he was returning to his home on the outskirts of the western city of Kasese after covering a wedding. Thembo was gunned down by unidentified individuals who took his bag and video camera. The police have arrested several suspects but have not yet said what they think the motive was. Kasese is located near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. “We note that the police lost no time in beginning an investigation and we urge them to do everything possible to shed light on all aspects of this murder,” Reporters Without Borders said. “They should not rule out the possibility that it was linked to Thembo’s work as a journalist. Regardless of the motive, this murder will alarm journalists in this region.” Daily Monitor correspondent Enid Ninsiima, who knew Thembo personally, told Reporters Without Borders she was shocked by the news of his tragic death. “It is both sad and scary for us,” she said. The Daily Monitor quoted Red Pepper correspondent Simon Turibamwe as saying Thembo had been attacked by unidentified individuals in the past and feared for this life after being threatened by local politicians. Photo: Trails of blood on the ground (Spencer Platt/AFP)