Edward Awebwa, a 24-year-old Ugandan TikToker, was sentenced to six years in prison on Wednesday for disseminating “misleading and malicious” content about President Yoweri Museveni, his wife, and their son.
Prosecutors revealed that Awebwa posted vulgar videos targeting the first family between February and March, to which he pleaded guilty.
Judge Stella Maris Amabilis, who presided over the sentencing, noted Awebwa’s lack of remorse despite his plea for leniency.
She emphasized the disrespectful nature of his actions and the vulgar language used in the videos. The judge justified the severe sentence as a measure to ensure respect for the president and his family in the future.
Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, frequently faces criticism from NGOs for human rights violations. This case mirrors previous incidents where dissenters, such as writer Kakwenza Rukirabashaija and activist Stella Nyanzi, have been imprisoned or forced into exile for criticizing the president and his family.
According to Ugandan news sources, Awebwa joins a growing list of content creators jailed for spreading malicious information and hate speech in recent months.
Earlier this year, social media personalities Pressure 24/7 and MC Chumi faced legal issues related to alleged offensive communication, including accusations of insulting prominent figures like the President and the Kabaka of Buganda. Both were initially remanded but later granted bail.
In a separate incident in 2022, TikToker Teddy Nalubowa was arrested and sentenced for her online post celebrating the passing of General Elly Tumwine.
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