Kampala, Uganda: A Ugandan journalist, Arnold Anthony Mukose, has been remanded to Luzira Prison over allegations of spreading false information claiming that the First Lady, Janet Museveni, is dead.
Mukose, 41, associated with the Alternative Digitalk Media, was arraigned before the Law Development Centre (LDC) Court in Kampala on Wednesday and charged with offences related to the unlawful dissemination of false information through electronic communication.
According to the prosecution, Mukose allegedly circulated messages on the channel’s digital platforms between March 26 and March 29, 2026, falsely claiming that the First Lady had passed away, information later confirmed to be untrue.
Under count one, he is charged with broadcasting false information contrary to Regulation 110(C) of the Uganda Communications Commission (Licensing) Regulations, 2019.
Court documents state that Mukose and others still at large allegedly published the claims via an online platform identified as Alternative Digitalk Channel.
Under count two, he faces charges under Section 82 of the Uganda Communications Act for allegedly sending false distress signals.
The prosecution contends that the publication caused unnecessary public alarm and contravened laws governing electronic communication.
Mukose, however, denied the charges and sought unconditional release on bail. His lawyer, Kato Tumusiime, applied for bail, arguing that his client is a responsible citizen with a fixed place of residence, no criminal record, and a family of three school-going children.
“He is innocent until proven guilty. The offence is bailable, and we have presented three sureties,” Tumusiime submitted.
However, prosecutor Racheal Namutebi opposed the immediate hearing of the bail application, requesting time to verify the details of the accused’s residence and the credentials of the proposed sureties.
Magistrate Maloba granted the request and adjourned the matter to April 14, 2026, when court will rule on the bail application. “In the meantime, the accused is remanded,” the magistrate ruled.
Background of Mukose arrest
Mukose was arrested by security operatives shortly after appearing on a political talk show in Old Kampala. Witnesses say he was picked up outside Metro FM 90.8 along Martin Road by plain-clothed men.
His arrest sparked concern among sections of the legal and media fraternity, with the Uganda Law Society and journalists’ associations calling for his release.
The case has reignited debate over misinformation on digital platforms and enforcement of Uganda’s communication laws, particularly in light of past legal precedents.
Notably, Section 50 of the Penal Code Act, which criminalised the publication of false news, was nullified by the Supreme Court in 2004.
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