ULS petitions DPP over alleged misuse of criminal prosecutions against critics

What the report says

The Uganda Law Society has asked Director of Public Prosecutions Lino Anguzu to stop criminal cases filed under the offence of sending false distress signals, saying the charge is being used against journalists, social media users and other critics. In a protest letter dated November 6 and received by the DPP’s office the same day, the lawyers’ body says Section 82 of the Uganda Communications Act is being applied to punish speech, reporting and criticism rather than genuine false emergency signals.

The Independent Uganda reports that the petition specifically raises the case of businesswoman Susan Kushaba, who faces three counts before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court. The publication says Kushaba was remanded to Luzira Women’s Prison until November 17 over TikTok videos posted between January and October 2026, which allegedly made accusations against several public officials, including claims of fraud, land grabbing and embezzlement. ULS argues that such content concerns matters of public interest and does not amount to sending false distress signals.

The society also points to the earlier prosecution of journalist Arnold Anthony Mukose, whose case over a claim about First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni was later dismissed. ULS says this shows a wider pattern that could undermine constitutional protections for free expression and personal liberty.

The letter asks the DPP to review and discontinue pending cases under Section 82 that arise from ordinary speech and online publications, and to issue guidance preventing similar charges. It gives the office seven days to respond and warns that maintaining baseless prosecutions could expose officials to liability. The issue is significant because it sits at the intersection of digital speech, criminal law and press freedom in Uganda.