Fear, Uncertainty Grip Teso Journalists as NTV’S Kenneth Odele Remains Detained Over Alleged Treason Investigations.

By Peterson Hiirya.

Journalists in the Teso sub-region are living in fear and uncertainty following the arrest and continued detention of NTV correspondent Kenneth Odele, with growing concerns that more reporters could be targeted over their coverage of News Stories Related to the arrest of Rtd General Peter Elwelu.

Odele, a Nation Media Group journalist covering the Teso sub-region, is currently being held at East Kyoga Regional Police Headquarters after unidentified security operatives reportedly arrested him while he was covering a security meeting at Soroti University on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

The meeting was convened by the Minister of Security, Major General (Rtd) Jim Muhwezi, and focused on security developments in the Teso sub-region, including the reported arrest of former army commander General Peter Elwelu.

According to information Odele  shared with friends who visited him at the police headquarters, he was informed that he was being investigated for treason under a General Inquiry File (GIF).

Odele told his visitors that security operatives had accused him of communicating with General Elwelu, who was recently arrested over allegations of involvement in subversive activities.

He further revealed that he had received information before his arrest that security agencies were looking for him.

Odele was  picked up from Soroti University by Plain clothed  operatives and later dropped at East Kyoga Regional Police Headquarters, where he remains in custody.

He told friends that police informed him they were holding him on instructions from higher authorities and could neither process his case nor grant him police bond because the matter was beyond them.

Journalists fear possible wider crackdown

Odele’s arrest has triggered fear and anxiety among journalists in Teso, with several reportedly concerned about their safety and the possibility of further arrests.

Some journalists have  gone into hiding amid fears that their names could be among those allegedly being monitored by security agencies.

One of the journalists ( Name withheld) who attended the security meeting at Soroti University, recounted events that raised concerns among reporters.

According to him , the Minister’s Personal Assistant cautioned journalists against publishing certain statements made by the Minister concerning General Elwelu, including comments made during the meeting and subsequent media interviews.

The warning reportedly left journalists questioning whether their coverage of the General Elwelu matter had placed them under scrutiny.

He also narrated how a suspiciously  well dressed man, reportedly carrying two concealed pistols, approached journalists as they discussed possible story angles after the meeting.

Although the journalists could not establish the man’s identity or whether his presence was connected to Odele’s subsequent arrest, Alom said they later discovered that Odele had disappeared during lunchtime.

Journalists who attended the meeting and interviewed the Minister say the warnings against publishing statements concerning General Elwelu have heightened their concerns about possible restrictions on reporting security-related developments.

Teso journalists demand Odele’s freedom

The continued detention of Odele has now become a major concern for journalists operating in the region, particularly under the umbrella Organisation Teso Journalists for Community Empowerment (TEJFOCE) are calling for his immediate release under the campaign message #FreeKennethOdele, arguing that journalists should not be subjected to arrest or intimidation for carrying out their professional responsibilities.

They are also demanding that security agencies publicly explain the grounds for Odele’s arrest, disclose the evidence supporting the allegations against him and ensure that his constitutional rights are respected.

At the time of publication, Security had not publicly clarified the specific evidence linking Odele to the alleged activities of General Elwelu or explained the legal basis for his continued detention.

The circumstances surrounding his arrest have renewed concerns about press freedom, the safety of journalists and the ability of media practitioners to report on sensitive security matters without fear of intimidation or arrest.

For journalists in Teso, Odele’s detention has become more than an individual case. It has raised wider questions about whether reporting on matters of public interest, particularly those involving security agencies and senior security officials, could expose journalists to criminal investigations.

Teso Journalists for Community Empowerment is calling for the immediate freedom of Kenneth Odele.

#FreeKennethOdele #PressFreedomUganda #JournalismIsNotACrime