Ugandan TikToker Jailed for Insulting President Museveni
A Ugandan TikToker, Nabugodi, has been sentenced to prison for insulting President Yoweri Museveni in a controversial video where he staged a mock trial and called for the president’s public flogging. His conviction under the amended 2022 Computer Misuse Act has sparked renewed criticism of Uganda’s clampdown on free speech.
The law prohibits sharing content deemed to mock or degrade individuals or groups. Critics argue it is weaponized to silence dissent against Museveni’s government, which has been in power since 1986. Rights organizations have condemned this trend, citing a climate of fear discouraging criticism of the regime.
Magistrate Amabilis, who presided over the case, expressed disappointment at Nabugodi’s lack of remorse, stating, “This court hopes the convict will learn that abusing people for content creation is unacceptable.” The court emphasized that the sentence serves as a warning to those misusing social media.
This incident follows a series of prosecutions targeting social media users in Uganda. In July, Edward Awebwa received a six-year sentence for a similar offence, while three others are awaiting trial over TikTok-related content.
The U.S. State Department’s 2023 human rights report has highlighted the use of the Computer Misuse Act to stifle online criticism of government policies. The case also echoes the plight of prominent author Kakwenza Rukirabashaija, who fled Uganda in 2022 after being jailed and allegedly tortured for criticizing Museveni and his son.
Ugandan TikToker Jailed for Insulting President Museveni
