State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Okello Oryem has said that Turkey-based Ugandan blogger, Fred Lumbuye is not a special person and should not expect to be treated exceptionally if he broke the law.
Minister Oryem’s comments come after reports indicate that the renowned NUP blogger was yesterday arrested by Uganda’s External Security Organisation, working with the Turkish security.
While addressing journalists at Uganda Media Centre today, Oryem said Lumbuye is not above the law.
“I heard that he has been arrested. And if he’s arrested because of a crime he committed, then he deserves to be arrested because of that crime. Anybody who commits a crime in any country whatsoever will pay the price for committing for breaking the law, including in Uganda. That person you’re talking about is not a special person,” said Oryem said.
“And I would have thought that every single one of you would be celebrating that this person committed a crime and he’s been arrested and being brought before the court of law but now it seems you’re sympathizing with him,” he added.
Lumbuye is among the alleged social media misusers that police recently singled out to be among those on its wanted list. This was after President Yoweri Museveni directed security services to track down people who misuse social media by spreading false information.