Three arrested over alleged fake news, personal data offences on social media

What the report says

Police in Kampala have arrested three people over allegations linked to social media posts they say involved fake news and the unlawful obtaining or disclosure of personal data. According to Nile Post, the suspects are being held at Jinja Road Police Station while investigators review incidents said to have taken place in July 2026.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala confirmed the arrests and said the case concerns alleged offences committed through social media platforms. The three suspects were identified as Ronald Mayiga, also known as Munyarwanda Wwa Bobi, Swaibu Kakaire, also called One One UG, and Mark Mugoya. Police said they remain in custody and will be produced in court after investigations are completed.

The report did not specify the exact posts, the platforms involved, or the alleged victims. It also did not state the precise charges that will be filed, but the matter appears to fall under Uganda’s cyber and computer misuse laws, which can cover unlawful access to data and unauthorised disclosure of private information.

Kawala urged social media users to act responsibly and protect other people’s privacy when sharing content online. The case adds to ongoing scrutiny of online speech and data handling in Uganda, where authorities have in recent years used cyber-related laws to investigate posts and digital conduct, though some provisions have faced legal challenge.