A court in Uganda has convicted Emmanuel Nabugodi, a 21-year-old TikToker, for “spreading hate speech” by calling for a mock public flogging of President Yoweri Museveni. In his viral video, Nabugodi staged a mock trial of the president, which led to charges of inciting violence against the head of state. He faces up to seven years in prison and is currently detained at Kigo maximum security prison near Kampala, awaiting sentencing on November 18.
State attorney Paul Aheebwa Byamukama revealed that the prosecution is seeking the maximum seven-year sentence. Nabugodi is the fourth Ugandan in recent days to be charged with similar offenses related to insulting Museveni and his family.
This case is part of a series of legal actions targeting individuals who criticize Museveni’s leadership. In July, another 21-year-old TikToker was sentenced to six years for similar offenses. Notably, in 2021, author Kakwenza Rukirabashaija was arrested for criticizing Museveni and his son Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Rukirabashaija, an award-winning author, later fled to Germany, claiming he was tortured during detention.
Uganda’s stance on free speech has drawn international concern. The country ranks 128th out of 180 on Reporters Without Borders’ Press Freedom Index, reflecting significant challenges for media and individual expression.
