TikTokers remanded over alleged false claims against Balaam
The accused are Ronald Mayega, alias Munyarwanda Wa Bobi, 33, a businessman and resident of Mastiwa, Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District, and Swaibu Kakaire, alias One-One, 28, a businessman and resident of Kyengera, Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District.
The prosecution alleges that Mayega, Kakaire and others still at large used the TikTok account @one.one.ug.media to publish an audio-visual news story alleging that Balaam had sodomised Mayega or knew people who had allegedly sodomised him. The prosecution alleges that the information was false. (Credit: Sophia Kagoya)
KAMPALA - Two men have appeared before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kampala over allegations of publishing false information concerning local government minister Balaam Barugahara.
The accused are Ronald Mayega, alias Munyarwanda Wa Bobi, 33, a businessman and resident of Mastiwa, Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District, and Swaibu Kakaire, alias One-One, 28, a businessman and resident of Kyengera, Nansana Municipality, Wakiso District.
The prosecution, led by senior state attorney Grace Amy, on September 8, 2026, charged the duo with publishing false information, broadcasting without a licence and conspiracy to commit a misdemeanour.
According to the charge sheet, the offences were allegedly committed in July 2026 in various parts of Uganda, including Kampala and Wakiso districts.
The prosecution alleges that Mayega, Kakaire and others still at large used the TikTok account @one.one.ug.media to publish an audio-visual news story alleging that Balaam had sodomised Mayega or knew people who had allegedly sodomised him. The prosecution alleges that the information was false.
The charge of publishing false information is brought under Regulation 110(e) of the Uganda Communications (Licensing) Regulations, 2019.
Amy informed the court that inquiries are still ongoing and prayed for an adjournment.
During the court proceedings, Mayega told the court that he did not know the offence for which he was being charged.
He alleged that after his arrest, he was forced to accept the allegations and make a statement.
Mayega told the court that he had wounds on his legs and complained of severe back pain, adding that he could no longer walk without support.
His lawyer, Jonathan Elutu, told the court that his clients had allegedly been tortured while in custody.
Following the allegations of torture, the prison authorities were directed to conduct a full medical examination of Mayega and present the medical report before the court.
The medical report is expected to help the court establish the accused's reported physical condition.
The case was handled by Senior Principal Magistrate Winnie Nankya Jatiiko, who was sitting in for Buganda Road Chief Magistrate Ritah Neumbe Kidasa.
The matter was adjourned to September 28, 2026, when the medical report is expected to be presented before the court. The accused were remanded until that date.
If convicted of conspiracy to commit a misdemeanour under Section 364 of the Penal Code Act, an accused person may face up to five years' imprisonment.
For broadcasting without a licence, the Uganda Communications Act provides for a fine, imprisonment of up to one year, or both, upon conviction.
The punishment for the alleged publication offence would depend on the specific provision under which the accused are ultimately convicted.