Ugandan TikTok Users Detained Over Allegations of Insulting First Family

Two individuals from Uganda have been taken into custody following accusations of making insulting remarks about President Yoweri Museveni, First Lady Janet Museveni, and the President’s son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on the video-sharing platform TikTok. Magistrate Stella Maris Amabilis ordered the remand of David Ssengozi, 21, also known as Lucky Choice, and Isaiah Ssekagiri, 28, to Kigo prison. Their initial court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday. They face charges of hate speech and disseminating malicious information targeting the first family and musical artists associated with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). During their court appearance on Monday, both individuals pleaded not guilty to the accusations. They are co-accused alongside Julius Tayebwa, 19, who had previously been presented in court and remanded for identical offences. Prosecutors contend that the information they posted on TikTok was intended to “ridicule degrade, demean, and promote hostility” towards the first family and other individuals. The magistrate approved their continued detention after law enforcement officials stated that investigations into the matter were ongoing. The magistrate issued an order, stating, “You will come back on the 13 November, when the case will come up for mention. You are remanded at Kigo prison till then.” In September, police spokesman Rusoke Kituuma issued a warning, stating that insulting the president, whom he referred to as the “fountain of honour,” constituted an offense. He specifically mentioned a TikTok user named Lucky Choice, indicating that they were under investigation. This individual was subsequently apprehended. The specific post that prompted the arrest remains unclear; however, a video titled “My First Enemies,” published in April on the TikTok page LuckyChoice70, contained criticism of the first family using sexually explicit language. In July, a 24-year-old male received a six-year prison sentence for insulting the president and the first family in a TikTok video. He had admitted guilt and sought clemency. This development occurs amid criticism directed at the government for limiting individuals’ capacity to critique actions undertaken by the state or its representatives. Last year, a report from the US government accused Uganda of curtailing internet freedom by employing criminal penalties. Furthermore, human rights organizations consistently condemn Ugandan authorities for infringements on human rights and freedom of expression. In 2022, Kakwenza Rukirabashaija, an award-winning Ugandan author, faced two charges of “offensive communication” following critical comments he made about the president and his son on Twitter. He subsequently departed the country for Germany after a month in jail, during which he reported being subjected to torture. For additional news from the African continent, visit BBCAfrica.com. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa, or on Instagram at bbcafrica. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available for review.