Two Ugandan citizens, David Ssengozi, known as Lucky Choice, and Isaiah Ssekagiri, have been detained for allegedly making derogatory remarks about President Yoweri Museveni, First Lady Janet Museveni, and the president’s son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on TikTok. The men, aged 21 and 28 respectively, appeared in court before Magistrate Stella Maris Amabilis, where they denied charges of hate speech and spreading malicious content against the first family and musicians affiliated with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The magistrate ordered Ssengozi and Ssekagiri’s detention at Kigo prison, remanding them until November 13, when they will reappear for a court hearing. Their co-defendant, 19-year-old Julius Tayebwa, had already been charged and remains in custody for similar allegations.
According to prosecutors, the defendants shared TikTok content intended to “ridicule, degrade, demean, and promote hostility” toward the first family and other prominent figures. Police say they need more time to investigate.
In September, police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma warned that insulting the president, whom he described as the “fountain of honour,” constitutes an offense. He confirmed that they were investigating a TikToker by the name of Lucky Choice, who was subsequently arrested. Although it’s unclear which specific post prompted the arrest, a video posted in April on the TikTok account “LuckyChoice70,” titled My First Enemies, allegedly contained explicit language criticizing the first family.
This case follows a similar incident in July, when a 24-year-old man was sentenced to six years in prison after he pleaded guilty to insulting the president and the first family in a TikTok video.
These actions have sparked concerns over Uganda’s restrictions on freedom of expression. Last year, the U.S. government reported that Uganda has imposed criminal penalties to curtail online criticism, limiting internet freedom. Rights groups frequently criticize the Ugandan authorities for suppressing free speech and human rights.
In 2022, Ugandan author Kakwenza Rukirabashaija faced charges of “offensive communication” for critical remarks about President Museveni and his son on Twitter. Rukirabashaija fled to Germany after alleging he was tortured during a month-long imprisonment.
SOURCE: BBC
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