TikToker Hassan Nsubuga Denies Cyberstalking Ministers, Remanded to Luzira

A Ugandan TikToker, Hassan Nsubuga, has been remanded to Luzira Prison after denying charges of cyber harassment, unlawful obtaining and disclosure of personal data, and cyberstalking. Nsubuga, 40, faces six counts related to his online posts targeting Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine and Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba.

Prosecutors allege that Nsubuga used his TikTok account to accuse Dr. Atwine of embezzling ministry funds and contributing to the decline of medical services, which he claimed led to Ugandan deaths. He also reportedly accused Minister Nabakooba of misappropriating funds, creating fraudulent land titles, and hindering land cases for the underprivileged.

Further charges suggest Nsubuga incited the public to confront and harm the two officials, and to seize their properties. The alleged offenses occurred in September 2026. Nsubuga pleaded not guilty to all charges when he appeared before City Hall senior grade one magistrate Edgar Karakire.

His bail application was denied due to insufficient sureties. The court found his proposed sureties, a friend and his sister, to be lacking in substantiality and not residing within the court’s jurisdiction. The magistrate advised Nsubuga to secure more suitable sureties if he wished to reapply.

Nsubuga’s case follows a pattern of individuals facing legal repercussions for online communications in Uganda. Notable past cases include Brian Isiko, charged with cyberstalking an MP, and Dr. Stella Nyanzi, who faced offensive communication charges.

Nsubuga is scheduled to return to court on November 5, 2026.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)