Ugandan tabloid Red Pepper returns to news stands

People gather around a newspaper vendor. Ugandan tabloid Red Pepper has returned to news stands after a two-month shutdown. FILE PHOTO | AFP 

In Summary

• The newspaper, which specialises in sensational gossip and political scoops, was closed in November.
• Eight of its editors and directors were charged with treason and defaming President Yoweri Museveni, his brother and the security minister.
• Some vendors in the centre of the capital Kampala said the Red Pepper sold out in minutes.

By AFP
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A notorious Ugandan tabloid made its much anticipated return to news stands Monday after a two-month shutdown prompted by a story that Kampala was allegedly plotting to topple President Paul Kagame of neighbouring Rwanda.

Some vendors in Kampala said the Red Pepper sold out in minutes.

Shutdown

The newspaper, which specialises in sensational gossip and political scoops, was closed in November.

Eight of its editors and directors were charged with treason and defaming President Yoweri Museveni, his brother and the security minister.

But last week Museveni pardoned them, clearing the way for the paper’s return to the streets.