Ugandan TikToker Benson Muyingo, known as Benson Pro, has been remanded to Luzira Prison after being charged with defaming the Director General of the External Security Organisation (ESO), Ambassador Joseph Ocwet.
The 32-year-old digital content creator appeared before Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, where he was formally accused of using social media to spread malicious propaganda in violation of the Computer Misuse Act.
Prosecution alleges that Muyingo published a TikTok video in which he accused Ocwet of involvement in land grabbing in Kasenyi Bendegere. In the now-viral clip, he stated: “Wuno boss wa ESO in land grabbing and fraudulent at Kasenyi Bendegere” a remark interpreted as defamatory by authorities.
The state claims the video was aimed at discrediting a senior government official charged with sensitive national security responsibilities.
Benson Pro was denied bail after the State Attorney failed to appear in court. He will remain in Luzira until August 12 when the matter resumes.
The case has sparked controversy online, with digital rights advocates accusing the government of weaponizing the Computer Misuse Act to silence dissenting voices.
If convicted, Muyingo faces a potential jail term for disseminating false or defamatory content via electronic platforms — a growing trend under Uganda’s digital communications laws.
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