A 24-year-old TikTok user named Edward Awebwa has been sentenced to six years in prison by the Entebbe Chief Magistrate Court.
This decision follows his posting of a brief video on TikTok in which he made insulting remarks about President Museveni, First Lady Janet Museveni, and First Son Gen. MuhooziKainerugaba.
The video included tribalistic comments and highly vulgar language, causing significant disruption to the peace of the first family.
Court records indicate that Awebwa committed these offenses between February and March 2024. He admitted to charges of hate speech and spreading malicious information targeting the President and his family during his appearance in court on Wednesday.
Chief Magistrate Stellah-Maris Amabilisi, in her ruling, emphasized the importance of upholding respect and dignity towards the President, First Lady, and First Son. She stressed the court’s role in preventing acts that bring disrespect to these esteemed figures and any member of society.
Addressing the accused’s plea for leniency, Magistrate Amabilisi observed his apparent lack of remorse. She noted his clear awareness of his actions, as evidenced by the court’s examination of the video, which contained highly offensive language. The magistrate concluded that the accused should receive a punishment that encourages reflection and ensures future respect towards the President, First Lady, and First Son.
Under the Computer Misuse Act, Awebwa was charged and subsequently sent to Kigo Upper Prison.
Awebwa is among several individuals charged under the controversial Act, which also includes Herbert Anderson Burora, a former Rubaga Resident City Commissioner (RCC) currently held in Luzira prison for disturbing the peace related to Speaker of Parliament Anita Among.
Another notable case involves Ibrahim Musana, known as Pressure 24/7, who faced charges for insulting the Kabaka and the Buganda Kingdom.