ChimpReports is a Ugandan news website that has become a prominent online media outlet in the country. Founded after the controversial publication Rolling Stone, ChimpReports has grown to be a significant platform, though not without its own controversies.
Origins and Rise
Following the controversial publication of Rolling Stone, Giles Muhame launched ChimpReports. Although Rolling Stone only lasted a few months, Muhame’s subsequent creation, ChimpReports, flourished.
Online Media Presence
ChimpReports has become a significant player in Uganda's online media landscape. In a conference about social media it was mentioned as a online media source.
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Controversies and Criticisms
ChimpReports has faced scrutiny and criticism, particularly concerning its association with disinformation campaigns and past publications. Here are some key points:
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Association with Anti-Gay Publications
Muhame was involved with Rolling Stone, a magazine that published an article outing gay men and calling for them to be hanged. Months after the article was published with his face on the front page, prominent Ugandan gay rights advocate David Kato was beaten to death.
The Guardian reported that the Ugandan 'hang them' paper has no regrets after David Kato death.
BBC News reported that Uganda's Rolling Stone paper was told to stop outing gays.
CNN.com reported that Ugandan anti-gay measure will be law soon, lawmaker says.
Risdel Kasasira reported that the world condemns killing of gay activist in Daily Monitor.
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Disinformation Campaigns
A cybersecurity company hired by the Ugandan Intelligence Services provided an “Open Source Intelligence Report” alleging that half of Wine’s social media followers were fake.
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The account named “JORDAN” amplified anti-Bobi Wine disinformation posted by Kampala Post to thousands of followers. ChimpReports articles were also amplified by two public relations firms included in the network, as well as politicians, government employees, and other news outlets.
ChimpReports articles were shared by politicians, government employees, and other news outlets included in the network.
Connections with Kampala Post
Nicholas Asingwire, who is listed as the business editor of Kampala Post, worked for ChimpReports until April 2018.
The URL for the Kampala Times’ user number 2, who uploaded much of the content found on the site, was “Dickson Okello,” despite the author being listed is “Ritah Nakamya.”
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The author bio for “Ritah Nakamya” had the name “Dickson Okello” in its URL.
Examples of Reporting
ChimpReports has covered a range of topics, including:
- UNTOLD STORY: How URA's Akol Hunted Shs 6bn Oil Cash Treasure
- Generals Lakara, Kabango: Fighting an Elusive, Wealthy Enemy In Somalia
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