Two Ugandan TikTokers Detained for Alleged Insults Against First Family

Two Ugandan TikTok users, David Ssengozi (aka Lucky Choice) and Isaiah Ssekagiri, have been detained for allegedly insulting President Yoweri Museveni, First Lady Janet Museveni, and the president’s son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on TikTok. They face charges of hate speech and spreading malicious information targeting the first family and musicians associated with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM). They, along with co-defendant Julius Tayebwa, have denied the charges and are remanded in prison until their court appearance.

This case follows a pattern of similar incidents in Uganda, where citizens face criminal charges for publicly criticizing state officials online. In a recent example, a 24-year-old man received a six-year sentence for similar TikTok content.

Critics, including the U.S. government and human rights groups, argue that Uganda restricts internet freedom and free speech rights, as shown in prior cases like that of author Kakwenza Rukirabashaija, who was jailed and allegedly tortured for critical tweets before fleeing to Germany.