A Ugandan TikToker Edward Awebwa has been sentenced to six years in prison for disseminating “misleading and malicious” content about President Yoweri Museveni, and his family.
Awebwa, a resident in Nama, in Mukono district, was accused of posting a video on TikTok in which he made vulgar and denigrating comments about the Head of State, his wife Janet, and First Son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba who is also the Chief of Defense Forces of the UPDF.
He was arrested last week and brought before the magistrate court where he admitted to all four charges read to him.
Prosecutors highlighted that Awebwa had posted “vulgar” videos targeting the first family between February and March, to which the 24-year-old had pleaded guilty.
During sentencing, Judge Stella Maris Amabilis remarked on Awebwa’s lack of remorse, despite his plea for mercy. She underscored the court’s view that his actions were disrespectful, emphasising the vulgar language used in the videos.
The judge justified the severity of the sentence as a measure aimed at ensuring respect for the president, the first lady, and their son in the future.
Uganda, ruled by Museveni since 1986, faces frequent criticism from NGOs over human rights violations.
This case echoes previous incidents where dissenters, such as writer Kakwenza Rukirabashaija and activist Stella Nyanzi, have faced imprisonment or fled into exile after criticizing the president and his family.
According to Ugandan news medium, Awebwa joined a long list of content creators who have been jailed for spreading malicious information and hate speech in the past couple of months.
Earlier this year, Pressure 24/7 and MC Chumi faced legal issues related to alleged offensive communication, including accusations of insulting prominent figures such as the President and the Kabaka of Buganda.
Both were remanded but later granted bail.
In a separate incident in 2022, TikToker Teddy Nalubowa served a sentence after being arrested for her online post celebrating the passing of General Elly Tumwine.