A 41-year-old man from Mukono District has been remanded after appearing before the Nakifuma Chief Magistrate’s Court on charges linked to a TikTok video that authorities say encouraged Ugandans to take up weapons and engage in violence.
Wamala Hakim, a resident of Kalagi Village in Kyampisi Subcounty, was arrested over a video he allegedly posted on 9th November 2025 on his TikTok account.
In the video, the suspect is heard claiming that presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, alias Bobi Wine, was in serious danger, while urging the public to arm themselves.
He said:
“Every Ugandan I’m telling you this, President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Bobi Wine is in danger. Prepare whatever you have, whether a panga, spear, stick or anything you can get… You know where to start from to defend him. Let’s all Ugandans rise up and protect him from these people.”
Police say this message was crafted to stir fear and mobilize acts of violence.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, the video clearly crossed legal boundaries.
Owoyesigyire said:
“The Territorial Police in Kampala Metropolitan East and Nagalama Division arraigned the suspect on charges of Incitement to Violence and Misuse of Social Media. He is seen uttering statements intended to incite members of the public to engage in acts of violence using dangerous weapons.”
He added that the suspect also spread false claims about threats to Kyagulanyi’s life, remarks that could “provoke unlawful actions among members of the public.”
Hakim was formally charged and later remanded pending further mention of his case.
Cases on the Rise
Similar incidents have surfaced in recent months, especially as political temperatures rise. Many of the cases have been traced to TikTok, now one of the most active platforms for political expression and misinformation.
Reports indicate that a notable number of the individuals posting inflammatory videos pose as NUP supporters, frequently sharing dramatic warnings, unverified claims, and direct calls for confrontation. Authorities say these messages risk fueling unnecessary alarm and tension.
The Uganda Police Force has increased monitoring of digital spaces to curb what it describes as an emerging pattern of online incitement.
Owoyesigyire warned:
“Misusing social media to spread falsehoods or incite violence is a criminal offence under Ugandan law. The Police will take firm action against individuals who misuse digital platforms to threaten public peace and safety.”
As the election season gains momentum, the public is urged to verify information before sharing and avoid engaging with accounts pushing panic or unlawful calls to action.
