KAMPALA, Uganda — The Ugandan government has issued a stern warning to social media content creators accused of exploiting children for online engagement, signalling a potential legal crackdown on viral TikTok personalities.
State Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi has singled out several high-profile TikTok accounts, including those operating under the names “Chicken Chicken” and “Chuni,” over allegations of coercing and humiliating minors in pursuit of online popularity.
The intervention follows mounting complaints from lawmakers, including Betty Nambooze Bakireke, child rights advocates, and sections of the public, amid growing concern over the treatment of children in monetised digital content.
In a strongly worded statement shared on X, the minister said:
“Following complaints by leaders, concerned citizens and my own findings , this serves as strong warning to individuals involved in exploiting children for social media content . Those operating under names such as “Chicken Chicken,” “Chuni,” and any associates engaging in similar conduct are hereby put on notice stop immediately.
Using children against their will, subjecting them to humiliation, coercion, or degrading treatment for content is a violation of Uganda’s laws, including the Children Act, the Computer Misuse Act, and the Data Protection and Privacy Act. Such actions may lead to criminal liability, including fines and imprisonment.
Let this serve as a final warning . protect children, respect their dignity, and comply with the law. Exploitation of minors for views or personal gain will not be tolerated.”
Uganda’s legal framework provides multiple layers of protection for minors, including:
- The Children Act, which safeguards children from abuse and exploitation
- The Computer Misuse Act, regulating harmful digital conduct
- The Data Protection and Privacy Act, which restricts misuse of personal data, including minors’ images and identities
Authorities say violations could result in criminal prosecution, fines, or imprisonment, particularly where content involves coercion or psychological harm.
The warning reflects a broader global trend, as governments increasingly confront the darker side of the creator economy, where viral success can incentivise harmful or unethical behaviour.
Across Africa and beyond, platforms like TikTok have come under pressure to enforce stricter safeguards for minors, especially as monetisation features reward high engagement.
Also Read: TikTok profiting from sexual livestreams involving children
In Uganda, digital adoption has surged in recent years, with TikTok emerging as a dominant platform among young creators. However, this growth has also exposed regulatory gaps around child protection in user-generated content.
The minister’s remarks have triggered mixed reactions online:
- Supporters argue the move is necessary to protect children’s dignity and curb exploitation
- Critics warn against overreach, suggesting some family-based content may be misinterpreted as abuse
The debate highlights a growing tension between parental authority, digital expression, and child rights in the age of viral content.
