Munyonyo, Kampala: A viral video showing a man wielding a panga and threatening customers inside a Kampala restaurant has ended in arrest, after police confirmed that the incident, initially believed to be a real crime, was in fact a poorly planned comedy skit.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police, the alarming footage was filmed at Chez Boss Mutoto restaurant in Munyonyo, involving a Congolese national, Tokosi Ngoli, and a TikToker who staged the scene in an attempt to create online content.
Police said that although the video was meant to be humorous, the majority of people present were not informed that a performance was underway, sparking genuine fear and confusion.
“What was intended to be comedy created unnecessary panic,” a statement issued by Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SSP Patrick Onyango on July 2, 2025, read in part. “Carrying a weapon in public, even in the name of entertainment, remains a criminal act.”
Tokosi Ngoli was arrested and charged with being armed in public. His case file has been forwarded to the State Attorney for further action.
Authorities have warned content creators to exercise caution when producing skits in public places, stressing the need to secure consent from bystanders and venue owners beforehand.
“This incident demonstrates how social media content, if irresponsibly produced, can cause real distress,” police cautioned. “Creators should ensure that their material does not endanger public safety or spread fear.”
The police also urged the public to verify the authenticity of videos before sharing them further, warning that the dissemination of sensational or misleading content fuels unnecessary panic.
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