LIRA, Uganda – Police in Lira City have arrested a 39-year-old man for allegedly using social media to abuse President Yoweri Museveni.
The suspect, identified as Fred Okuja, a resident of Lira City West Division, was apprehended by security operatives on Wednesday afternoon. He faces charges under the Computer Misuse Act.
The arrest is connected to a video that went viral on TikTok and WhatsApp, in which Okuja is accused of directing hate speech at the President. Security officials stated that Okuja was “unaware that he was bringing trouble to himself” by publishing the content.
In the recording, which was delivered in both English and Leb Lango, the suspect allegedly described President Museveni as “barbaric.” The accusation stemmed from the unverified claim that the President had blocked Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) leader Jimmy James Michael Akena from contesting in the 2026 presidential elections.
The video reportedly escalated its tone, with Okuja issuing a warning of potential violence and drawing comparisons to the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
The suspect remains in custody as investigations into the matter continue.
