Kampala — THE Uganda Law Society (ULS) has written to information state minister Dr. Nsaba Buturo , asking him to reverse the media ban in respect of Dr. Kizza Besigye's court cases within seven days or risk legal action.

The notice, signed by ULS president Moses Adriko, said Buturo's directives were not legally enforceable and demanded that the minister publically and unconditionally withdraws them within seven days or risk appropriate legal action to enforce the stifled public rights and freedoms.

Adriko said they had received several complaints from concerned media practitioners, the legal fraternity and the public on the Buturo directive and felt it of great concern to notify the minister.

Buturo on November 23 banned discussions and debates on radios, touching cases pending before courts of law in respect of Besigye and 22 others. He also put a ban on orderly and peaceful demonstrations by the public.

Buturo confirmed receiving the notice and said he had forwarded it to the Attorney General, who is studying it. "It is their rights they are exercising and we will in due course be responding after the AG has had a careful study of the allegations. Since they are saying we as Government acted unlawfully, the courts will sort us out," said.

Asked about who had signed the directives, Buturo said it was Government business.

ULS says Buturo's directive has been followed by real threats to close down non-complying media houses and publications.

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