By Silvia Nyambura
An application to release Robert Shaka was this morning made at the Nakawa magistrates court. Shaka was arrested on Monday 8th June by the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) under allegations that he is the social media personality who goes by the name Tom Voltaire Okwalinga (TVO). According to his principle legal counsel Nicholas Opiyo, the police have not produced any evidence to support their allegations but continue to detain him illegally.
A charge and caution statement released by SIU on Monday claimed Shaka was arrested for 2 reasons namely;
-Using computers and other electronic devices he issued offensive communications against the sovereign state of Uganda, bring it into hatred and contempt and accordingly committing the offence of promotion of sectarianism contrary to section 41 of the Penal Code Act.
-That using computers and other electronic devices, he issued offensive communication against president Yoweri Museveni, Janet Museveni, Kale Kayihura, one Mbabazi and one Kelen, thereby committing the offence of offensive communication contrary to section 25 of the Computer Misuse Act.
Addressing the media in Kampala today, Opiyo said, “Mr Shaka has been in detention for over 48 hours unlawfully. We have therefore gone to court to file for release on bond. As he remains in detention, without access to any form of electronic gadgetry, the said TVO continues to operate the social media account exposing the baselessness of the police accusations and premise of his arrest.