Ugandan TikToker Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Insulting President Museveni and Family

In a high-profile case that has drawn significant attention, Edward Awebwa, a 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. The sentence was handed down by Judge Stella Maris Amabilis, who cited Awebwa’s lack of remorse and the vulgar language used in his videos as key factors in the decision.

Awebwa, 24, pleaded guilty to the charges, which stemmed from a series of videos posted between February and March. Prosecutors described the content as “vulgar” and targeted at the first family. Despite Awebwa’s plea for mercy, Judge Amabilis emphasized the need for the sentence to serve as a deterrent, ensuring respect for the president and his family.

Uganda has been under the rule of President Museveni since 1986 and has frequently faced criticism from NGOs over human rights violations. This case is reminiscent of previous incidents where dissenters, such as writer Kakwenza Rukirabashaija and activist Stella Nyanzi, have been imprisoned or forced into exile after criticizing the president and his family.

Awebwa’s conviction adds to a growing list of content creators who have faced legal repercussions for spreading malicious information and hate speech. Earlier this year, Pressure 24/7 and MC Chumi encountered legal issues for allegedly insulting prominent figures, including the President and the Kabaka of Buganda, although they were later granted bail. In a separate incident in 2022, TikToker Teddy Nalubowa served a sentence for an online post celebrating the death of General Elly Tumwine.