Ugandan TikToker Sentenced to Over Two Years for Insulting President Museveni

Mon Dec 23 2024 15:09:15 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)
Ugandan TikToker Sentenced to Over Two Years for Insulting President Museveni

Emmanuel Nabugodi faces 32 months in prison after posting a satirical TikTok video perceived as an insult to Uganda's president, raising concerns over freedom of expression in the country.


Emmanuel Nabugodi, a 21-year-old Ugandan TikToker, was sentenced to 32 months in prison for creating content that allegedly insulted President Yoweri Museveni. This incident highlights ongoing debates about freedom of speech and governmental censorship in Uganda, especially in the context of a controversial Computer Misuse Act amendment.


Emmanuel Nabugodi, a 21-year-old Ugandan TikToker, has recently been sentenced to 32 months in prison for producing a video deemed insulting to President Yoweri Museveni. Nabugodi, who built an audience of around 20,000 followers with comedy content, pleaded guilty last week to multiple charges, including hate speech and spreading malicious information. His offending video staged a mock trial and called for the president's public flogging.

Nabugodi's sentencing adds to a troubling trend in Uganda, where several individuals have faced imprisonment for criticizing or mocking the long-standing president, who has maintained power since 1986. In July, another TikToker, Edward Awebwa, received a six-year sentence under similar circumstances, and three others are currently awaiting trial for their content.

While handing down the sentence, chief magistrate Stellah Maris Amabilis emphasized that Nabugodi showed no remorse for his actions and that the punishment aimed to curb social media attacks against any individual, particularly the president. Amabilis noted, "This court hopes that by the time the convict leaves prison, he would have learnt that abusing people in the name of getting content is bad.” Nabugodi has the option to appeal the sentence within 14 days.

The legal basis for this conviction rests on a controversial amendment to the Computer Misuse Act enacted in 2022. This law criminalizes any digital communication that could be interpreted as ridiculing or demeaning another individual or group. Human rights organizations have criticized the Ugandan government for using this law to stifle criticism and intimidate internet users.

The U.S. State Department's human rights report on Uganda highlighted the misuse of such laws to suppress free expression, reinforcing worries regarding civil liberties in the country. This is not the first notable case; award-winning Ugandan author Kakwenza Rukirabashaija faced charges of "offensive communication" for criticizing the president on Twitter in 2022, leading to his exile in Germany following claims of torture during his imprisonment.

As Nabugodi begins his sentence, the implications for freedom of speech and artistic expression in Uganda continue to draw international attention and concern.

MORE ON THEME

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 07:07:35 GMT

From Fear to Hope: Survivors of the Syrian Conflict Share Their Stories

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 07:07:35 GMT
Mon, 23 Dec 2024 06:32:10 GMT

Survivors of Assad's Regime: From Fear to Hope in Post-War Syria

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 06:32:10 GMT
Mon, 23 Dec 2024 02:13:35 GMT

Saudi Authorities Express Frustration Over Ignored Warnings Related to Magdeburg Attack Suspect

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 02:13:35 GMT
Sun, 22 Dec 2024 22:56:50 GMT

Children Among Victims in Recent Israeli Strikes on Gaza

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 22:56:50 GMT
Sun, 22 Dec 2024 15:51:17 GMT

**Saudi Warnings Ignored: The Al-Abdulmohsen Case and the Magdeburg Market Attack**

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 15:51:17 GMT
Sat, 21 Dec 2024 21:12:45 GMT

Eight Sentenced in Connection to Teacher's Beheading in France

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 21:12:45 GMT
Sat, 21 Dec 2024 00:24:51 GMT

The Long Battle for Justice: A Sister’s Tireless Fight to Free Her Wrongly Convicted Brother

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 00:24:51 GMT
Fri, 20 Dec 2024 20:36:37 GMT

Eight Individuals Sentenced in France for Involvement in Hate Campaign Leading to Teacher's Beheading

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 20:36:37 GMT
Fri, 20 Dec 2024 19:24:23 GMT

French Court Sentences Eight Individuals Linked to Samuel Paty’s Murder

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 19:24:23 GMT
Fri, 20 Dec 2024 05:56:08 GMT

Verdict Looms for Eight Defendants in Samuel Paty Murder Case

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 05:56:08 GMT
Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:56:47 GMT

**Court Ruling Awaits for Accused in Samuel Paty Murder Case**

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:56:47 GMT
Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:54:38 GMT

**Trial of Italy's Deputy PM Salvini Over Migrant Rescue Boat Controversy**

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:54:38 GMT
Thu, 19 Dec 2024 21:35:28 GMT

Controversy Erupts Over Rebel Leader's Photo with Woman in Syria

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 21:35:28 GMT
Thu, 19 Dec 2024 15:16:20 GMT

**Inside Iran's Evin Prison: Women Defy Adversity with Resilience and Solidarity**

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 15:16:20 GMT
Wed, 18 Dec 2024 20:29:17 GMT

UN Envoy Calls for Accountability and Stability in Post-Assad Syria

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 20:29:17 GMT
Wed, 18 Dec 2024 13:39:24 GMT

Nigerian Man Awaits Pardon After Decade on Death Row for Minor Theft

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 13:39:24 GMT
Wed, 18 Dec 2024 10:47:36 GMT

Uncovering the Truth: The Search for Missing Syrians in Mass Graves

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 10:47:36 GMT
Wed, 18 Dec 2024 08:20:43 GMT

Restrictions on Palestinian News Outlets Intensified on Facebook Amid Israel-Gaza Conflict

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 08:20:43 GMT
Wed, 18 Dec 2024 00:38:06 GMT

Wisconsin School Shooting: 'Combination of Factors' Cited as Motive

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 00:38:06 GMT
Wed, 18 Dec 2024 00:34:14 GMT

Facebook's Restriction of Palestinian News Outlets During Ongoing Conflict

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 00:34:14 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.