law 24 August 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Journalist Arnold Mukose Cleared in First Lady's False Death Report Case
The Law Development Centre Magistrate’s court has dismissed all charges against journalist Arnold Anthony Mukose, who was accused of falsely reporting the death of First Lady Janet Museveni. The dismissal came due to the State's failure to present witnesses and comply with court orders. Source: https://observer.ug/news/first-ladys-false-death-court-drops-all-charges-against-journalist-mukose
Journalist Arnold Anthony Mukose has been freed from charges related to falsely announcing the death of Uganda’s First Lady, Janet Museveni. The Law Development Centre Magistrate’s court dropped the case on Monday, citing a lack of prosecution.
Magistrate Ivan Maloba made the decision after the State failed to produce witnesses or the necessary police file. The prosecution was also unable to comply with a previous court order to amend the charge sheet, which had been challenged by the defense.
Mukose, working for Alternative Digital, faced two charges under the Uganda Communications Act, including broadcasting fake news and sending false distress signals concerning the First Lady. These allegations stemmed from information published between January and March 2026, claiming Mrs. Museveni had passed away.
The defense, represented by lawyer Morgan Muhindo, argued that the prolonged proceedings and the prosecution’s repeated failures demonstrated a lack of readiness to proceed. Mukose had previously spent over a month on remand before being granted Shs 5 million in cash bail.
This case concludes as the First Lady herself recently made public appearances following an absence from view, notably attending her daughter’s consecration as a bishop alongside President Yoweri Museveni. Mukose was also involved in a successful challenge to certain provisions of the Computer Misuse Act, 2022, at the Constitutional Court.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)