Blitz Bureau
KAMPALA: Two Ugandans have been detained for allegedly insulting President Yoweri Museveni, the first lady Janet Museveni and the President’s son Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba on video-sharing platform TikTok, reported BBC. Magistrate Stella Maris Amabilis remanded 21-year-old David Ssengozi, alias Lucky Choice, and Isaiah Ssekagiri, 28, to prison, it said further.
They are accused of hate speech and spreading malicious information against the first family and musicians linked to the governing National Resistance Movement. Appearing in court on November 12, the two denied the charges. They are jointly charged with Julius Tayebwa, 19, who had already been brought before court and remanded in prison for the same offences.
Prosecutors allege that they posted information on TikTok meant to “ridicule degrade, demean, and promote hostility” against the first family and others. The magistrate allowed their detention after police said they were still making inquiries on the matter. In September, police spokesman Rusoke Kituuma warned that abusing the President, who he termed the ‘Fountain of Honour’, was an offence. He mentioned a TikToker with the name Lucky Choice who he said they were investigating. He was later arrested.
