Pastor threatens to sue Ugandan tabloid for defamation

Shonubi, Musoke and Co Advocates, lawyers of Kiwewesi, on 2 October, 2008 issued a strict warning to Arinaitwe Rugyendo, editor-in-chief of The Red Pepper newspaper instructing the company to stop publishing, what they called, defamatory stories against the Kiwewesi.

The warning was sparked off by two stories published in the newspaper, alleging that Kiwewesi had sexual relations with Andrew Arinaitwe, a member of his congregation between 2004 and 2006.

In a statement issued to the press by Kiwewesi's lawyers, earlier this week, Kiwewesi denied the allegations stating that the allegations and claims contained in the articles are false, unsubstantiated and defamatory, meant to demean him.

“Our instructions are to demand that you repudiate the said stories and issue our client with a public apology on the front page of your newspaper within two days of receipt of this letter,” reads a copy of the lawyers letter.

The lawyers said that should The Red Pepper fail to comply with their demands, Kiwewesi would commence legal proceedings against Rugyendo and the newspaper in tort for defamation.

However, Sandra Tayebwa, legal officer at Red Pepper stood by her company saying that there is no reason for the newspaper, to apologise. “I don't think we are doing anything wrong. We are just reporting what is happening,” she said. “You are not supposed to shoot a messenger for reporting bad news,” Tayebwa said.

The Red Pepper, which is privately owned has more than once been accused of defaming members of the public.