Why Joseph Kabuleta was arrested

Jul 13, 2019

Police on Friday night confirmed they were the ones who arrested Kabuleta from a restaurant at Forest Mall Lugogo

Controversial city pastor Joseph Kabuleta was arrested because of his social media posts  "Joseph Kabuleta Weekly Rant returns," in which he refers to the Fountain of Honor  (President Yoweri Museveni) as "a Gambler, Thief and Liar" the Police has said.

Police on Friday night confirmed they were the ones who arrested Kabuleta at Drew & Jacs Patisserie, a restaurant, coffee shop and bar located at Forest Mall Lugogo and that he was being detained at the Special Investigations Directorate in Kireka.

"This is to inform the public that a team of detectives from the Special Investigations Division has today (Friday) arrested Joseph Kabuleta, a self-styled pastor, and put him under custody. He has been apprehended because of offensive communication against the person of the President," Police spokesperson Fred Enanga said.

Enanga said that according to preliminary information, the writer repeatedly posted grossly offensive messages, under "Joseph Kabuleta Weekly Rant Returns," referring to the Fountain of Honor as "a Gambler, Thief and Liar". Section 25 of the Computer Misuse Act, 2011, criminalizes such acts of communication.

He cautioned members of the public, "who glorify such communication, particularly through social media, that though it is public space, it is not protected. Therefore, any postings of false fabrications will attract punishment in accordance with the laws."

He also cautioned the public to think first about what they say on social media.

"The joint forces will continue using the acquired capabilities to monitor comments on social media and any offenders will be investigated and punished. Investigations into the conduct of Joseph Kabuleta are ongoing and more information will be availed as investigations unfold," Enanga stated.

Last year police Makerere University social researcher and political activist Dr. Stella Nyanzi after he referred to President Museveni as "a pair of buttocks," on social media.

Nyanzi was charged with the offense of cyber harassment and offensive communication and is currently battling the charges at Buganda Road.

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