Joseph Isangura
Two Ugandan citizens have been remanded to prison over allegations of insulting President Yoweri Museveni, his wife Janet Museveni, and their son General Muhoozi Kainerugaba on social media.
The accused, David Ssengozi, known on TikTok as “Lucy Choice,” aged 21, and Isaiah Ssekagiri, aged 28, appeared before Magistrate Stella Amabillis on November 12, 2024. The court ordered their detention at Kigo Prison pending a court hearing scheduled for November 13, 2024.
Prosecutors stated that Ssengozi and Ssekagiri used the social media platform TikTok to post derogatory content that allegedly insulted the President and his family, violating Uganda’s strict laws on cyber harassment and defamation. The state prosecutor highlighted that the posts not only contained vulgar language but also spread false information aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the country’s leadership.
The case has sparked significant debate among citizens and on social media platforms regarding freedom of speech and the limits of online expression in Uganda. Observers note that the case underscores the Ugandan government’s intent to strictly monitor and enforce regulations on online content, particularly when it involves high-ranking government officials and their families.
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Under Uganda’s legal framework, offenses of this nature can carry substantial penalties, including imprisonment and fines. The ongoing case is expected to set a precedent for similar cases as authorities seek to reinforce the boundaries of respectful discourse on social media.
Advocates for freedom of expression have raised concerns that the charges against Ssengozi and Ssekagiri may reflect a broader issue surrounding personal freedoms in the digital age. However, Ugandan officials argue that laws governing speech are essential to maintaining respect and order in the country’s digital space.
