TikToker jailed for attacking spy chief

A 32-year-old TikToker has been remanded to Luzira prison on charges of allegedly posting defamatory material targeting the head of Uganda’s External Security Organisation (ESO), Ambassador Joseph Ocwet.

The accused, Benson Muyingo, popularly known online as Benson Pro UG, appeared before senior principal grade one magistrate Winnie Nankya Jatiko at the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s court on Wednesday.

According to the prosecution, Muyingo and unidentified accomplices used his TikTok platform in July 2025 to publish a video accusing Ocwet of being involved in land-related fraud in Kasenyi Bendegere.

The video, allegedly uploaded to the account, Benson Pro UG Official, reportedly referred to the ESO director general as a participant in “land grabbing and fraudulent activities.”

Prosecutors argued that the content was intended to damage Ocwet’s reputation, an offence under the Computer Misuse Act, which criminalizes the sharing of malicious, misleading, or defamatory content online.

Muyingo denied the charges and informed the court that he had presented sureties to support his bail application. However, the hearing was postponed after the magistrate noted that the state attorney handling the case was unavailable due to prior commitments at the City Hall Court.

As a result, Muyingo was remanded to Luzira prison until August 12, 2025, when the court is expected to reconsider his bail application. A resident of Mutundwe in Rubaga Division, Muyingo identifies as Muganda by tribe and Anglican by faith.

His TikTok channel, known for critical commentary on governance and social issues, has amassed a considerable following. The case underscores the growing tension between online free expression and digital regulation in Uganda, where the Computer Misuse Act continues to be invoked against social media influencers and activists accused of defamation or spreading false information.