KAMPALA, Uganda — A 32-year-old Ugandan TikToker, Benson Muyingo, widely known as “Benson Pro UG” online, has been remanded to Luzira prison on charges of allegedly posting defamatory material targeting Ambassador Joseph Ocwet, the head of Uganda’s External Security Organisation (ESO).
Mr Muyingo appeared before senior principal grade one magistrate Winnie Nankya Jatiko at the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s court on Wednesday 30, July 2025.
According to the prosecution, Mr Muyingo and unidentified accomplices utilized his TikTok platform in July 2025 to publish a video accusing Ambassador Ocwet of involvement in land-related fraud in Kasenyi Bendegere.
The video, reportedly uploaded to the account “Benson Pro UG Official,” allegedly referred to the ESO director general as a participant in “land grabbing and fraudulent activities.”
Prosecutors contended that the content was deliberately intended to damage Ocwet’s reputation, an offense punishable under Uganda’s Computer Misuse Act. This Act criminalizes the online sharing of malicious, misleading, or defamatory content.
Mr Muyingo pleaded not guilty to the charges and informed the court that he had presented sureties to support his bail application.
However, the hearing was postponed after the magistrate noted that the state attorney assigned to the case was unavailable due to prior commitments at the City Hall Court.
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Consequently, Mr Muyingo was remanded to Luzira prison until August 12, 2025, when the court is expected to reconsider his bail application.
Mr Muyingo, a resident of Mutundwe in Rubaga Division, identifies as Muganda by tribe and Anglican by faith. His TikTok channel, which has gained a considerable following, is known for its critical commentary on governance and various social issues.
This case highlights the increasing tension between online free expression and digital regulation in Uganda, where the Computer Misuse Act continues to be invoked against social media influencers and activists accused of defamation or spreading false information.
