Police in Kampala have arrested three people over allegations of publishing fake news and unlawfully obtaining or disclosing personal data on social media platforms.
The suspects were arrested in connection with incidents that reportedly occurred in July 2026 and are currently being held at Jinja Road Police Station.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala confirmed the arrests on Tuesday, saying the suspects are being investigated over alleged offences committed through social media.
“Police at Jinja Road are holding three suspects in connection with the alleged publication of fake news and the unlawful obtaining or disclosure of personal data on social media platforms,” Kawala said.
“The incident reportedly occurred in July 2026 and involved activities on social media platforms,” she added.
The suspects have been identified as Ronald Mayiga, also known as Munyarwanda Wwa Bobi, Swaibu Kakaire, alias One One UG, and Mark Mugoya.
According to Kawala, the three remain in police custody as investigations continue before they are taken to court.
“The suspects are currently in police custody and will be produced before court to face the law,” she said.
Kawala urged social media users to exercise caution when creating or sharing content online, particularly where personal information belonging to other people is involved.
“Members of the public are reminded to use social media platforms responsibly and to respect the privacy and personal data of others,” she said.
The arrests come amid increased scrutiny of social media activity in Uganda, with authorities relying on existing cybercrime laws to investigate online publications and the handling of personal information.
Uganda’s legal framework on cyber offences is largely anchored in the Computer Misuse Act, 2011, as amended by the Computer Misuse (Amendment) Act, 2022.
The law provides for offences relating to the misuse of computers and electronic systems, including certain forms of prohibited online communication, unlawful access to data and the unauthorised disclosure of information.
Depending on the offence and the specific provision invoked, some violations can attract substantial fines and prison sentences.
The law also provides penalties for unlawful access to, interception of, or disclosure of another person’s private information without authorisation, with some offences carrying prison terms of up to 10 years.
Ugandan authorities have previously arrested and prosecuted social media users, activists and content creators over online publications, although some provisions of the country’s cyber laws have faced constitutional challenges and legal scrutiny.
Courts have previously struck down or questioned some provisions relating to offensive communication and cyber-related offences, meaning police investigations and prosecutions must be based on provisions that remain legally enforceable.
In the latest case, police have not yet disclosed the specific social media posts or personal data allegedly involved in the July incidents.
The identities of the alleged victims, the platforms where the content was published and the precise charges the suspects will face in court have also not been disclosed.
The suspects are expected to be presented before court once police complete the necessary investigations.
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