TRIBUTES have been paid to an acclaimed national journalist who was imprisoned while covering a coup in Uganda.

John Fairhall, a former African correspondent for the Guardian, died on Saturday, aged 86, after a severe stroke.

Mr Fairhall, of Trinity Road, Mistley, predicted the 1971 coup by the Ugandan military, led by Idi Amin, was imminent and repeatedly returned to the country despite the risk to his own life.

In September 1972, Mr Fairhall was imprisoned in Makindye prison in Kampala for four days and heard other inmates being sledgehammered to death.

Six months after being released, he was named international correspondent of the year by the International Publishing Corporation for his hard work and bravery.

Upon returning to England, Mr Fairhall was appointed the paper’s education correspondent, before being promoted to section editor. He eventually retired in 1989.

His wife of 56 years Frances paid a glowing tribute to her husband, whom she met while they both worked as regional reporters in Norwich.

She said: “He was a man of integrity with a great sense of humour who was greatly loved by his family."

A private family burial will take place at Wrabness Church on July 13.

It will be followed by a remembrance of John’s life at Wrabness Church at 2pm.

The family has requested no flowers.