Three Ugandan TikTok influencers have been remanded to Kigo Prison on charges of hate speech and distributing malicious content after allegedly insulting President Yoweri Museveni, his family, and several National Resistance Movement (NRM)-aligned artists.
David Ssengozi, also known as Lucky Choice, and Isaiah Ssekagiri face accusations of spreading derogatory remarks and false information targeting key national figures, including President Museveni, First Lady Janet Museveni, First Son and Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, staunch Museveni supporter Calvin Kayanja, and NRM-leaning musicians Jennifer Namutebi Nakangubi (Full Figure), Gereson Wabuyi (Gravity Omutujju), and Patrick Mulwana (Alien Skin).
The two are jointly charged with Julius Tayebwa, who was recently arrested and remanded to Kigo Prison over similar allegations.
Entebbe Chief Magistrate revealed that Ssengozi, via his TikTok account LuckyChoice70, uploaded videos using Airtel data bundles in which he made obscene and offensive remarks against President Museveni.
The charges are based on Uganda’s Computer Misuse Act, which criminalizes online hate speech and the distribution of harmful content. This law has been increasingly used by the government to regulate digital media, although critics argue that it threatens freedom of expression. Human rights advocates warn that the law’s broad and vague provisions could lead to political suppression, as it allows the authorities to classify any critical commentary as criminal behavior.
The next court hearing on November 13 may have significant implications for how Uganda addresses online content that critiques public officials and institutions.
