Two TikTok content creators have been remanded to Luzira Prison after appearing in court over allegations linked to a video and claims made about Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara.
The two, Ronald Mayega, popularly known as Omunyarwanda Wa Bobi, and Swaibu Kakaire, alias One-One, appeared before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, where they denied the charges brought against them.
Prosecution alleges that in July 2026, the two, together with other people who have not yet been arrested, used the TikTok account @one.one.ug.media to publish an audio-visual story containing allegations against Minister Balaam.
According to the prosecution, the content claimed that Balaam had allegedly sodomised Mayega or knew people who had allegedly committed the act against him. The prosecution maintains that the claims were false.
The two TikTokers are also accused of broadcasting content through the account without a licence from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), as well as conspiracy to commit a misdemeanour.
The case took another turn in court when Mayega told the magistrate that he had allegedly been tortured after his arrest. He claimed that he sustained several injuries and was forced to accept the charges against him.
Kakaire also told court that he had been beaten while in custody and alleged that he was forced to record a statement despite informing police that he was unwell.
Their lawyer, Jonathan Erotu, asked the court to have both men medically examined and for a report on their condition to be presented at the next court appearance.
The magistrate said the allegations of torture were serious and directed prison authorities to carry out a full medical examination of the two suspects.
Despite the defence’s request for bail, the court remanded Mayega and Kakaire to Luzira Prison as investigations continue.
The case is expected back in court on September 28, 2026, for mention.
The case has also put a spotlight on the growing influence of TikTok and other social-media platforms in Uganda. With individual creators able to reach large audiences without operating traditional media houses, questions about online broadcasting, accountability and freedom of expression are becoming increasingly important.
For now, however, the allegations against Mayega and Kakaire remain just that—allegations. The prosecution will have to prove its case in court, while the two accused persons remain entitled to defend themselves.
