An independent international investigator has been hired to ascertain whether a Ugandan policeman shot a photojournalist.
A policeman allegedly shot the photojournalist, Isaac Kasamani on 24 January this year while he was covering a rally organised by an opposition party on the outskirts of Kampala.
A statement issued by Uganda's Minister of State for Internal Affairs, James Baba said, "The Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Uganda Police Force regard as very grave indeed the allegations by photojournalist Isaac Kasamani, of a shot fired at him by a police officer.
"Further to our commitment to investigate this incident to the full capacity of the state, we wish to announce the appointment of an independent international investigator to the case, Mr. William Redmond".
Baba described Redmond as a highly experienced, investigator who was likely to come out with the truth.
"He has had a long, outstanding and impressive record in domestic policing where he served for 35 years with the Irish police force, and Garda Siochana.
"Internationally Mr Redmond is highly regarded, having served as Director of the National Drug Enforcement Agency of the Seychelles." Baba said.
According to the Minister, the combination of Redmond's domestic and international investigative experience will help in fully exploring the allegations made by Kasamani.
"I have instructed my ministry, to ensure that all available resources are at the disposal of Mr. Redmond to ensure the process is expedited in the most vigilant manner," Baba said.
Uganda's police boss, General Kale Kayihura has also instructed his force to facilitate Redmond's inquiries in a fully transparent and comprehensive manner.
Police have requested Kasamani to co-operate with Redmond so that inquiries were carried out smoothly.
The government has said that any policeman found guilty of the act will face the full force of the law.
This comes at a time when journalists and human right organisations in Uganda released a report on Wednesday indicating that violation of journalists rights had escalated.
The organisations said in the last year they had received 170 cases involving police and army harassing journalists.
