In Uganda, a 21-year-old TikToker, Emmanuel Nabugodi, has been convicted for “spreading hate speech” after creating a video that mocked President Yoweri Museveni and called for his public flogging. Nabugodi, who depicted a mock trial of Museveni in the TikTok video, pleaded guilty on November 13 and now faces up to seven years in prison. He is currently being held at the Kigo maximum-security prison near Kampala, awaiting sentencing on November 18.
The case, led by state attorney Paul Aheebwa Byamukama, seeks the maximum seven-year penalty, reflecting Uganda’s crackdown on online dissent. Nabugodi is the fourth Ugandan in recent days to face legal action over comments against the president and his family.
Similar cases highlight the government’s firm stance on criticism of its leaders. In July, another 21-year-old TikToker received a six-year prison sentence for insulting Museveni, who has maintained a strong grip on power since his 1986 coup against former President Milton Obote.
This wave of arrests follows the 2021 detention of award-winning author Kakwenza Rukirabashaija, who faced charges of insulting Museveni and his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Rukirabashaija, who later fled to Germany, claims he was tortured during his imprisonment. His bravery in speaking out led to his recognition with the 2021 PEN Pinter Prize for an International Writer of Courage.
In 2020, four members of a Ugandan comedy troupe were jailed for a satirical video asking citizens to “pray for their leaders.” Public outcry eventually led to the charges being dropped, but the incident reflects ongoing limits on free expression under Museveni’s rule.
These cases underscore the tightening restrictions on Ugandans’ freedom to criticize their government, especially online, where humor and satire are increasingly met with severe consequences.