Two Ugandan TikTokers, David Ssengozi (alias Lucky Choice), 21, and Isaiah Ssekagiri, 28, have been detained on charges of allegedly insulting President Yoweri Museveni, First Lady Janet Museveni, and the president’s son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, through videos posted on TikTok.
Magistrate Stella Maris Amabilis ordered the two to be remanded to Kigo Prison until their initial court appearance on November 13. Both Ssengozi and Ssekagiri, who deny the charges, are accused of hate speech and spreading malicious information targeting the first family and musicians associated with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Julius Tayebwa, 19, also faces similar charges and had previously been remanded on the same case. Prosecutors claim the TikTok videos were created to “ridicule, degrade, demean, and promote hostility” against the first family and their allies.
During Monday’s court session, Magistrate Amabilis approved their continued detention, stating that police investigations were ongoing. “You will come back on the 13 November, when the case will come up for mention,” she instructed.
This incident follows recent warnings from police spokesman Rusoke Kituuma, who stated that insulting the president — regarded as the “fountain of honour” — is illegal. He had previously referenced Lucky Choice as a person of interest, later arrested in connection with this case. The exact content that led to the arrest is unclear, but an April video titled “My First Enemies” from LuckyChoice70’s TikTok account criticized the first family using explicit language.
This case echoes a similar incident in July, where a 24-year-old Ugandan man was sentenced to six years in prison for using TikTok to insult the president and first family. He pleaded guilty and sought forgiveness for his actions.
These arrests have sparked discussions about Uganda’s limitations on free speech. Last year, the U.S. government criticized Uganda’s restrictions on internet freedom, citing the use of criminal penalties to curb criticism. Rights groups have also frequently condemned the Ugandan authorities for limiting freedom of expression and violating human rights.
Notably, in 2022, Ugandan author and government critic Kakwenza Rukirabashaija faced two charges of “offensive communication” after posting unflattering comments about President Museveni and his son on Twitter. Rukirabashaija later fled to Germany, alleging he had been tortured during a month-long detention.
