TikTok’s fate in Uganda and the social network influence on the 2026 elections
In July 2024, 24-year-old TikTok content creator Edward Awebwa was sentenced to six years in prison for posting videos deemed critical of President Yoweri Museveni and his family.
As Uganda approaches its 2026 general elections, the government’s increasing scrutiny of social media platforms, particularly TikTok, has sparked significant debate. Recent arrests and convictions of TikTok users have raised concerns about freedom of expression and the potential for stricter regulations during the electoral period.
In July 2024, 24-year-old TikTok content creator Edward Awebwa was sentenced to six years in prison for posting videos deemed critical of President Yoweri Museveni and his family. Awebwa faced charges of hate speech and spreading malicious information, highlighting the government’s stringent approach to online dissent.
Similarly, in November 2024, two other TikTok users, David Ssengozi (21) and Isaiah Ssekagiri (28), were detained and charged with hate speech for allegedly insulting President Museveni, First Lady Janet Museveni, and their son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, through their content.
The prosecution argued that their videos were intended to “ridicule, degrade, demean, and promote hostility” toward the first family and associated individuals.
These incidents underscore a broader pattern of the Ugandan government’s efforts to control digital spaces, especially as the elections draw near.
The 2022 amendment to the Computer Misuse Act criminalizes sharing content online that could “ridicule, degrade, or demean” others based on their identity or affiliation, a provision that critics argue is used to suppress dissent.
More recently, the government confirmed its intentions to regulate social media more strictly. During a press conference in Kampala, ICT and National Guidance Minister Dr. Chris Baryomunsi revealed that while there are no plans to shut down platforms like TikTok, the state is exploring new technologies to filter and control content.
“We are studying the whole area of social media with a view of introducing technologies and other services to regulate how it is used,” he stated.
This announcement followed public calls from prominent figures, including Uganda’s Mufti, Sheikh Shaban Ramadhan Mubajje, who during Eid ul Fitr celebrations, urged the government to ban TikTok altogether. The Mufti argued that the platform is being misused to promote hate and sow discord in society.
The potential for increased regulation—or even temporary shutdowns—raises critical questions about the balance between national security and digital freedoms. For many Ugandan youth, TikTok is more than just a fun app—it’s a tool for self-expression, political commentary, and digital entrepreneurship. Restricting access could not only stifle creativity but also silence important voices in the national conversation.
As the 2026 elections draw closer, the fate of TikTok and other social media platforms may become a defining issue in Uganda’s political landscape, testing the country’s commitment to democratic values in the digital era.
