national 20 August 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Journalist Remmy Asiteza Jailed for Alleged Fake News Against Minister Babalanda
Kampala journalist Remmy Asiteza has been remanded to Luzira prison after being charged with publishing fake news and broadcasting without a license. The charges stem from an article published on the Daily Express website that allegedly implicated Minister for Presidency, Milly Babalanda, in a corruption scandal. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/journalist-remmy-asiteza-remanded-over-allegedly-publishing-fake-news-against-minister-babalanda-5564566
Journalist Remmy Asiteza is facing charges of publishing fake news and broadcasting without the required license. He appeared before Buganda Road Chief Magistrate Ritah Neumbe Kidasa on Thursday, where the charges were formally read to him. Asiteza, a 32-year-old reporter, pleaded not guilty to both counts.
The prosecution, represented by Chief State Attorney Joan Keko, indicated that investigations are still ongoing and requested additional time from the court. The charges allege that Asiteza, along with others not yet apprehended, published false information between July 7 and 8, 2026.
Specifically, the first charge relates to a story published on the Daily Express website (Dailyexpress.co.ug) with the headline “Museveni Orders ISO probe into billions swindled under assistant RDCs recruitment scheme.” The prosecution contends that this article falsely accused Minister Babalanda of corruption in connection with the recruitment of Assistant Resident District Commissioners.
The second charge alleges that Asiteza and his alleged accomplices broadcast content via the Daily Express website without obtaining a license from the Uganda Communications Commission, an act contrary to the Uganda Communications Act.
Following the submissions, Magistrate Kidasa ordered Asiteza to be remanded in Luzira prison. His bail application is scheduled to be heard, and the case will be mentioned again on September 9.