Ultimatum looms as Eng. Odongo Joseph searches evidence for his bribery claims

Lira | In a significant legal development, tndNews Managing Editor Milton Emmy Akwam has initiated a defamation lawsuit against Eng. Joseph Odongo Bongonyinge, clan leader of Otikokin Ocok and his wife, Atim Jenet Bongonyinge.

The legal action arises from alleged defamatory statements made by Eng. Odongo and his wife following the publication of a tndNews article detailing internal disputes within the late Bongonyinge’s family. 

The article, published on April 12, explored divisions within the family of the late Bongonyinge, highlighting the nearly two decades of disagreement in managing the estate between Eng. Odongo and his siblings.

Following the publication, Eng. Odongo, assisted by his wife, disseminated messages across multiple WhatsApp groups, including Lango Ateni, Lango Development Agenda and Lango Global Network, accusing Akwam of accepting a UGX 450,000 bribe to tarnish his reputation.

Both intentionally claimed that they have evidence to show that Akwam received payments in two installments – the last being UGX100,000.

These claims, lacking substantiative evidence until April 29, have been deemed defamatory by Akwam and his legal representatives.

In response to these allegations, Akwam, through M/S Okanyum Namusana & Company Advocates on April 29, issued a formal Demand Notice Cum Notice of Intention to Sue both Eng. Odongo and his wife.

Acting on behalf of Akwam, the law firm notified the couple, among others: “That it is also within your knowledge that the information that was published by our client was voluntarily availed by close members of your family whom you share a first degree of consanguinity of relation being your biological sisters and brother, respectively.

“That according to you, our client ran the said story because he was bribed by a certain faction of your family members who are aggrieved by the manner in which you are managing the said Estate.”

The Notice further stipulates a seven-day ultimatum for Eng. Odongo and his wife to with “immediate effect retract the defamatory statement complained of by our client.”

Eng. Odongo and his wife have been directed to make a formal apology to Akwam on all the fora where they posted defamatory statements, and to pay UGX150,000,000 in general damages for the psychological pain, emotional torture, and mental anguish that they have subjected Akwam to, and UGX5,000,000 only being legal professional fees.

Addressing the press at Hotel Kumar in Lira City on April 29, Akwam strongly denied being bribed, and revealed that he was aware of people hired by Eng. Odongo both in Lira and Kampala Cities to arrest, beat and have him killed.

“…Eng. Odongo does not own my life, it’s only God,” he told the press.

He stated that if Eng. Odongo and his wife have evidence of payments to run the story as they allege, such evidence must be made public.

“This story is more than a family matter that most people think must be kept out of the media as repeatedly demanded by Otikokin Ocok clan leader Eng. Odongo. There is an element of human rights abuse, gender based violence which the aggrieved siblings were able to shout it out and we took interest,” Akwam said.

Patrick Okidi of the Ankole Times said he had also talked to the aggrieved siblings from Lira City CPS, and condemned threats on journalists doing their work.

“We won’t tolerate bullies using money or power to silence the truth,” he said.

Joseph Ekol of Vision Group (New Vision) who doubles as the interim chairperson of Lango Digital Journalists Association, spoke of the threats Akwam is facing ahead of World Press Freedom Day.

“As World Press Freedom Day is observed, we remind everyone: threats won’t stop our watchdog role.”

Journalists in Lango, Kampala, East and West Nile (sub-regions) have expressed their solidarity with Akwam, and colleagues from Lango as this matter heads to court.

They have pledged to monitor the case closely, ensuring that justice is served and that journalists can operate without fear of intimidation from those “with power”.

This case serves as a litmus test for press freedom in Uganda, potentially setting a precedent for how defamation cases involving journalists and “high class people” are handled in the future.

Additionally, a couple of journalists and human rights defenders say, this case highlights the broader issue of press freedom and the need for protective measures for media practitioners who undertake critical reporting while operating in volatile environments.

Eng. Odongo have not been able to personally comment on the latest development but his wife acknowledged receipt of the Notice served to them on April 29.

“Noted. Direct to him (my husband). I have (i) lot of responsibilities to carry,” she wrote.