Ugandan TikToker Sentenced to 32 Months in Jail for Insulting President Museveni.

TikToker Emmanuel Nabugodi created a mock trial of President Yoweri Museveni. Courtesy image.

A 21-year-old Ugandan TikToker, Emmanuel Nabugodi, has been sentenced to 32 months in prison for insulting President Yoweri Museveni.

Nabugodi, known for his comedic videos on TikTok, was found guilty of four charges, including hate speech and spreading malicious information about the president. The charges stemmed from a video he posted, in which he mockingly staged a trial of President Museveni, calling for his public flogging.

Nabugodi’s video, which was shared with his 20,000 followers, drew sharp criticism from authorities, and the 21-year-old was arrested and charged for using social media to defame the president. The case underscores the growing concerns over the restrictions on freedom of speech in Uganda, where President Museveni, in power since 1986, has been accused of suppressing dissent and limiting criticism of his government.

The sentencing took place on Monday, following Nabugodi’s guilty plea to the charges. The chief magistrate, Stellah Maris Amabilis, stated that Nabugodi had shown no remorse for his actions and emphasized that the sentence was intended to deter social media attacks on public figures, including the president.

Nabugodi’s conviction is part of a broader trend in Uganda, where several individuals have been targeted for their online content critical of the government. In July, another Ugandan TikToker, Edward Awebwa, was sentenced to six years in prison on similar charges, and three other individuals are currently awaiting trial for their posts on social media platforms.

Human rights groups have frequently condemned such actions, arguing that they stifle free speech and undermine the democratic rights of Ugandans. The government, however, maintains that these measures are necessary to protect national security and maintain public order.

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