§ 43. Mr. Rankinasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in what circumstances F. Kibuke Musoke was sentenced to six months imprisonment in Uganda for publishing a sedious document; what was the nature of the document; and what parts of it were held to be seditious.
Mr. Creech JonesI would refer to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member 1548 for Stroud (Mr. Parkin) on 22nd September, 1948. F. Kibuke Musoke is one of the persons referred to in that reply. The sentence of six months hard labour passed on him has been reduced, on appeal, to three months. The trial magistrate adjudged the document to be seditious as a whole.
§ Mr. RankinIs my right hon. Friend aware that the publishing in this case consisted of circulating a letter written by Semakula Mulumba, of Uganda, to Bishop Stewart, of Uganda? In view of the fact that copies of that letter are in the possession of Members of this House, would they be in danger of receiving the same penalty if they circulated it?
Mr. Creech JonesThis case has gone to the High Court on appeal, and the decision of the lower court has been upheld. The person concerned was found guilty on, three counts— importing a seditious publication, being in possession of it, and publishing a seditious publication.