Ugandan TikTok creator Richard Muhanji is spending the week in remand after authorities accused him of abusing his platform with posts deemed disrespectful toward President Yoweri Museveni.
Muhanji, 22, was picked up from his family home in Lwengo after a series of fiery TikTok videos spread across the app, sparking a swift response from law enforcement.
In the clips, he challenged the state’s authority over his life, insisting that only God holds the final say on life and death. The videos gained traction online, drawing both supporters and critics into a digital tug-of-war.
Police later presented him before the Masaka Grade One Magistrate’s Court, where he was charged with offensive communication targeting the Head of State.
Muhanji pleaded not guilty and was ordered to remain in custody until November 11, when his case will be mentioned.
Outside court, his mother, Maria Ntegyereze, acknowledged that her son had indeed posted the controversial videos and had gone to support him.
She said the family’s attempt to secure his release on bail was unsuccessful.
Masaka Regional Police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye said the arrest was part of a wider crackdown on what the authorities describe as the growing misuse of social media in the country.
He maintained that online attacks against public figures or private citizens would not be tolerated.
“Anyone using their platforms to insult or demean others should be ready to face the law,” Kasirye said.
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