The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Danish photojournalist Klaus Thymann has been arrested in Uganda, authorities confirmed on Tuesday, just days after the country’s army chief ordered the suspension of operations at the leading independent media group.
Thymann, an internationally recognised photographer known for his environmental and climate reporting, was taken into custody on Monday over alleged wildlife-related offences, according to local media reports.
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The reports indicate that he had been meeting government officials to discuss permits required for his environmental research in the Rwenzori Mountains when he was arrested.
An official from the Uganda Wildlife Authority confirmed the arrest, saying investigations are ongoing, but did not disclose the specific reasons behind his detention.
Before his arrest, Thymann had posted on X complaining that he was unable to secure permission to access a UNESCO World Heritage Site despite holding accreditation as a journalist.
In the post, he claimed he had been denied entry to the protected area and suggested he had become a wanted person, while also expressing frustration that UNESCO had not responded to his requests for assistance.
Ugandan environmental organisation Centre for Citizens Conserving Environment (CECIC) alleged that the journalist’s arrest was linked to his work documenting the rapidly melting glaciers in the Rwenzori Mountains.
The organisation argued that the detention appeared to be retaliation for his recent findings on climate change rather than the result of any legitimate criminal offence.
The arrest comes amid heightened concerns over media freedom in Uganda following a directive by army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of President Yoweri Museveni, ordering the closure of the Nation Media Group while declaring that he did not believe in a free press.
Uganda currently ranks 143rd out of 180 countries in the latest global press freedom index published by Reporters Without Borders, reflecting continued concerns over the state of media freedom in the country.
