Juma Musuuza, a 27-year-old TikToker famously known as Madubarah UG, has been remanded to prison on charges of hate speech and spreading malicious information about Uganda’s First Family.
The charges also include making demeaning comments about the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among.
According to the prosecution, Madubarah, a second-hand shoe hawker, allegedly used his TikTok account Madubarah UG to share content deemed offensive.
The state claims that while in Wakiso District, central Uganda, Madubarah circulated videos likely to ridicule President Museveni, his son Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and Speaker Among.
In one of the videos, he allegedly remarked:
If Museveni hands over power to his drunkard son, the country will be destroyed within two days. Let Ugandans pray for our country and ourselves.
Another video reportedly contained a statement where he said:
If Muhoozi takes over power from his father, the country will be destroyed within two days according to how he drinks, and whoever talks, we shall kill or arrest you.
The State Attorney, Janet Kitimbo, also alleged that Madubarah made derogatory remarks about Speaker Among, claiming she used taxpayer money to build a mansion “better than State House” and to buy skin-lightening products.
He was remanded until November 27, 2024, after the state’s witness failed to appear in court. The presiding magistrate advised Madubarah to apply for bail during his next appearance.
