Geoffrey Mugisha, a popular TikTok content creator widely recognized by his online followers as “Kempaka” was on April 30, 2025, remanded to Luzira Prison by the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court on charges related to hate speech.
The charges stem from a viral video in which Mugisha allegedly made derogatory remarks about the King of Buganda and his subjects.
According to the prosecution, Mugisha disseminated a video in April 2025 wherein he reportedly made statements considered offensive and demeaning to the cultural institution of the Buganda Kingdom.
Notably, the video also appeared to extol President Yoweri Museveni as the “true Kabaka,” which fueled public outrage.
The accused, aged 25 and a resident of Munyonyo, denied the charges when he was appeared before Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi.
He was consequently remanded to Luzira Prison until May 19, 2025, as police investigations continue.
Mugisha rose to online prominence through TikTok, where his controversial commentary, often critical of the Baganda ethnic group, garnered both significant attention and backlash.
In one of his widely circulated videos, he claimed that “Baganda are failures except for those collaborating with the government,” and asserted that “no Muganda can or will ever lead this country.”
Following widespread condemnation, Mugisha issued a public apology in a subsequent video. He attributed his earlier statements to frustration and perceived ethnic bias, citing repeated insults and inflammatory remarks directed at Banyankore and Banyarwanda communities, as well as the Ugandan President and his family, and other cultural leaders.
However, his apology was largely rejected by members of the public, particularly those identifying as Baganda, many of whom demanded legal action for what they perceived as an affront to their cultural heritage.
While a segment of Mugisha’s supporters defended him, suggesting that his remarks were a reaction to long-standing tribal tensions and provocations from a section of Baganda, others warned that such rhetoric, regardless of motive, risked exacerbating ethnic divisions and potentially inciting violence.
The case continues to spark heated debate about the limits of freedom of expression, responsible use of social media, and the role of cultural respect in Uganda’s pluralistic society.
