Edward Awebwa, a Ugandan TikToker, received a six-year prison sentence on Wednesday for distributing “misleading and malicious” content about President Yoweri Museveni, his wife, and their son. Prosecutors pointed out that Awebwa posted “vulgar” videos targeting the first family between February and March, to which the 24-year-old pleaded guilty, according to AFP.
Judge Stella Maris Amabilis, during sentencing, noted Awebwa’s lack of remorse despite his plea for leniency. She stressed that his actions were deemed disrespectful by the court, especially given the vulgar language used in the videos. The judge justified the harsh sentence as necessary to ensure respect for the president, the first lady, and their son in the future.
Uganda, under Museveni’s rule since 1986, frequently faces criticism from NGOs over human rights abuses. This case mirrors previous incidents where dissenters, such as writer Kakwenza Rukirabashaija and activist Stella Nyanzi, have been imprisoned or forced into exile after criticizing the president and his family.
Awebwa’s sentencing adds him to a growing list of content creators jailed for spreading malicious information and hate speech in recent months. Earlier this year, Pressure 24/7 and MC Chumi faced legal issues for alleged offensive communication, including insults directed at prominent figures like the President and the Kabaka of Buganda. Both were remanded but later granted bail. Additionally, in 2022, TikToker Teddy Nalubowa served a sentence after being arrested for celebrating the passing of General Elly Tumwine in an online post.