Uganda Police Force on Wednesday charged Red Pepper directors and editors with treason, offensive communication and publication of a story that is prejudicial to the security of the country.
Police says Red Pepper premises will remain cordoned off as they conduct investigations.
According to the company lawyer Denis Nyombi, police counter -terrorism squad swung into action and mounted a search both at Red Pepper offices and at the homes of the directors and editors in question.
Five company directors still detained at Nalufenya include Richard Tusiime (CEO), Patrick Mugumya, Arinaitwe Rugyendo, James Mujuni and Johnson Musinguzi Byarabaha and three editors Ben Byarabaha (Managing Editor), Richard Kintu (News Editor) and Tumusiime Francis Tinywana (Bwino Newspaper Editor who doubles as General Manager). They were made to record statements and sign the charge sheet.
They are accused of publishing a story which alleges President Yoweri Museveni is plotting to overthrow Rwanda President, Paul Kagame.
According to the story which the ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed as false, UPDF is allegedly training former president Habyarimana’s loyalists with the help of the French army based in Rwenzori region.
The story that quotes Rwanda sources alleges that UPDF will enter Congo in the guise of hunting ADF and former M23 rebels following an alleged deal between President Museveni and Kabila from where they will enter a war with Rwanda.
The story also claimed that Retired Generals Salim Saleh and Henry Tumukunde were some of the plotters.
Gen Tumukunde is the Minister of Security while Gen Salim Saleh is the Chief Coordinator Operation Wealth Creation. He is not in active service of the UPDF and is based in a remote area in Kapeeka where he is driving agro-processing and industrial initiatives.