Ugandan authorities have impounded over 500 books said to be controversially political, Chimp Corps report.
Makerere law don Busingye Kabumba described as “scandalous” the seizure of the book titled, ‘Controlling Consent’ on Uganda’s 2016 elections.
“Your consignment of 668 books has been seized and is liable to forfeiture in accordance with the provisions of the East African Community Customs Management Act,” read part of the notice of seizure which ChimpReports has seen.
“If you claim or intend to claim that the things seized are not liable to forfeiture, you should within one calendar month from the date of this notice, give notice in writing of your claim in accordance with the provisions of section 214 of the Act,” the notice further reads.
The book was authored by a number of 22 academicians and civil society leaders edited by J-Oloka Onyango and Prof. Josephine Ahikire.
It points out how voters of Uganda in 2016 primary and general elections at all levels would accept money and other material things in exchange for votes.
The contributors of the book include; Sabiti Makara, David Mugambe Mpiima, Moses Khisa and Sabastiano Rwengabo.
Others are Salie Samba Kayunga, J. Oloka- Onyango, Veronica Nakijoba, Prof. Josephine Ahikire, Aramanzan Madanda, Jamil Damulira Mujuzi, Levis Mugumya, Sarah N. Ssali, Richard Ssewakiryanga, Danson S Kahyana, Phiona Muhwezi Mpanga, Andrew Karamagi, Maria Nassali, James Nkuubi, Ben K. Twinomugisha, Elisam Magara and Busingye Kabumba.
When contacted for a comment, government spokesperson Ofwono said the issue is customs related and not about the contents of the book.
“Personally, I have not read the book but I think the issue is not about the content. You need to find out from the owners of the book whether they cleared with customs and whether or not the book was published from abroad,” Opondo told ChimpReports on phone.
This is not the first time government is seizing materials containing political information.
In 2010, Uganda government impounded 500 copies of “The Correct Line? Uganda under Museveni”, a book that criticized President Yoweri Museveni’s rule.
The book was authored by Olive Kobusingye, a sister to opposition stalwart Dr. Kizza Besigye.