Uganda: Tiktokers remanded for insulting President, family
The two individuals, 21-year-old David Ssengozi (known as Lucky Choice) and 28-year-old Isaiah Ssekagiri, appeared before Magistrate Stella Maris Amabilis and were ordered to remain in Kigo prison until their initial hearing on Wednesday.
Two Ugandans have been taken into custody, accused of making derogatory comments on TikTok about President Yoweri Museveni, First Lady Janet Museveni, and the president’s son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The two individuals, 21-year-old David Ssengozi (known as Lucky Choice) and 28-year-old Isaiah Ssekagiri, appeared before Magistrate Stella Maris Amabilis and were ordered to remain in Kigo prison until their initial hearing on Wednesday.
The accusations include charges of hate speech and the dissemination of harmful information aimed at the first family and musicians affiliated with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Both denied the accusations during their court appearance on Monday. They are being charged alongside 19-year-old Julius Tayebwa, who was previously detained on related charges.
Prosecutors allege that the suspects shared TikTok content intended to “ridicule, degrade, demean, and incite hostility” toward the first family and others.
Magistrate Amabilis permitted their detention while police investigations continue. “You are to remain in custody at Kigo prison until November 13, when the case will be mentioned,” she announced.
In September, police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma cautioned that insulting the president, regarded as the "fountain of honor," is a punishable offense. He referenced an ongoing investigation into a TikTok user named Lucky Choice, who has since been arrested.
It remains unclear which specific post led to these arrests, though an explicit video titled My First Enemies, posted in April on the TikTok account LuckyChoice70, contained criticism of the first family.
The arrests have sparked criticism, with the Ugandan government facing accusations of restricting freedom of speech and the right to criticize state actions. A U.S. report last year highlighted Uganda's curtailment of internet freedoms through punitive measures.
Rights organizations frequently condemn Ugandan authorities for human rights violations and suppressing free expression.
