Politics
Ugandans Detained for Insulting Museveni on TikTok
Magistrate Stella Maris Amabilis ordered the detention of two suspects until November 13, 2024, on charges of hate speech and spreading malicious information about the first family and NRM-linked musicians. The pair, who denied the charges, are co-defendants with 19-year-old Julius Tayebwa, already remanded for the same offences. Prosecutors say they posted TikTok content to incite hostility against the first family and government figures.
: Two Ugandans face charges of hate speech after insulting President Museveni, Museveni first wife Lady Janet, and Gen. Muhoozi on TikTok, amid rising concerns over free speech.
Two Ugandans, 21-year-old David Ssengozi, alias Lucky Choice, and 28-year-old Isaiah Ssekagiri, have been remanded in Kigo prison for allegedly insulting President Museveni Kaguta, First Lady Janet Museveni, and their son Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba on TikTok.
Ugandans Remanded Over Alleged Insults to First Family on TikTok
Magistrate Stella Maris Amabilis ordered their detention until November 13, 2024, when their case will be heard.
The two are charged with hate speech and spreading malicious information about the first family and musicians linked to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The pair, who appeared in court on Monday, denied the charges. They are co-defendants with 19-year-old Julius Tayebwa, who has already been remanded for the same offences.
Prosecutors allege that the trio posted content on TikTok intended to “degrade, demean, and promote hostility” against the first family and government-aligned figures.
Government Faces Criticism for Crackdown on Online Free Speech
This arrest follows a September warning by police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma, who stated that insulting the president, the “fountain of honour,” is a criminal offence.
Kituuma specifically mentioned Lucky Choice as a subject of ongoing investigations. The content leading to the arrests is not entirely clear, but a TikTok video released in April titled “My First Enemies” is believed to have used explicit language to criticize the first family.
The case comes amid increasing concerns over Uganda’s crackdown on freedom of expression.
In July, a 24-year-old man was sentenced to six years in prison for similar charges after insulting the president on TikTok.
Human rights organisations have long criticised the Ugandan government for restricting online speech, with the US State Department’s 2023 report accusing Uganda of using criminal penalties to stifle internet freedom.
The arrest also follows the 2022 case of Kakwenza Rukirabashaija, an award-winning Ugandan author who was charged with offensive communication after posting critical remarks about the president and his son.
Rukirabashaija fled Uganda for Germany after enduring alleged torture during his month-long detention. Rights groups continue to condemn the government’s actions against free speech and the media.