KAMPALA, Uganda — The Chief Magistrate’s Court in Masaka has remanded a Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) journalist and two TikTok content creators as investigations into alleged online offences continue.
Frank Bwekumbule, alongside TikTokers Frank Kaggwa and Joseph Kikawa, will remain in custody until May 7, 2026, after appearing before Chief Magistrate Abdallah Kayiza. The trio faces charges of personation, which they denied.
The magistrate ruled that the court could not proceed with the bail application due to the absence of the state prosecutor, Michael Wakosase, who was reportedly engaged in official duties elsewhere.
As a result, the accused were remanded pending further mention of the case.
According to court proceedings, the suspects were presented at around 10:00 AM but only appeared before the magistrate later in the evening.
Prosecutors allege that between March and April 2026, the accused used TikTok platforms to record and circulate videos containing what authorities describe as malicious information while falsely presenting themselves as journalists.
Personation, under Ugandan law, involves falsely assuming another identity or role with the intent to deceive or gain undue advantage.
Authorities have previously indicated that additional charges, including defamation, offensive communication and the dissemination of malicious content, could be considered as investigations progress.
The alleged content is said to have targeted Masaka City Woman MP-elect Justine Nameere Nsubuga.
During the hearing, Bwekumbule appeared visibly weak and in pain, with his defence stating that he had recently been assaulted while returning home from work and was undergoing medical treatment at the time of his arrest.
Defence lawyer Pius Kabiswa urged the court to grant bail on medical grounds and presented multiple sureties, including family members and colleagues.
However, the application could not proceed in the absence of the prosecution.
Family members criticised the decision to remand the suspects, expressing concern over what they described as procedural unfairness.
“We were rushed through the process, and when we reached court, the state was absent. We hear there were instructions to ensure they are remanded for two weeks. This undermines justice,” said Bwekumbule’s brother, David Kintu.
Journalists affiliated with the Greater Masaka Journalists Association also raised concerns about press freedom and the treatment of media practitioners.
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“Our colleague is unwell and needs medical attention, yet he has been denied bail. This raises concerns about fairness and the safety of journalists,” members said.
The defence indicated it would seek an earlier court appearance through a production warrant to renew the bail application before the scheduled date.
“We are going to apply for a production warrant so they can be brought back to court earlier, either on Friday April 24, 2026, or Monday April 27, 2026, and renew the bail application, especially considering Bwekumbule’s urgent medical condition,” Kabiswa said.
The case comes amid growing scrutiny of online speech and digital content regulation in Uganda, particularly involving social media platforms such as TikTok, where authorities have increasingly pursued legal action over alleged misinformation and reputational harm.
