KAMPALA, UGANDA — A Ugandan journalist, Arnold Anthony Mukose, has been remanded to prison after being charged with allegedly spreading false information about the death of First Lady Janet Museveni.
Mukose appeared before a magistrates’ court on Wednesday, where prosecutors accused him of sending false signals through electronic communication, an offence they say caused public alarm.
According to the prosecution, Mukose allegedly circulated a message on digital platforms claiming that the First Lady had died. Authorities told court that the information was false and in violation of laws regulating the misuse of electronic communication.
The state requested more time to complete investigations and opposed immediate bail, arguing the matter required further scrutiny.
Mukose denied the charges but was remanded to prison until his next court appearance.
The case has sparked debate within media and legal circles, with observers pointing to growing tension between government efforts to combat misinformation and the need to protect press freedom.
Court is expected to set a hearing date as investigations into the matter continue.
