Kampala, Uganda | URN | The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has petitioned the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Lino Anguzu, demanding the discontinuation of criminal cases brought against journalists and social media users under the offence of sending false distress signals, arguing that the provision is being misused to suppress freedom of expression.
In a protest letter dated November 6, 2026, and addressed to Anguzu, the lawyers’ body accuses prosecutors of using Section 82 of the Uganda Communications Act to criminalise ordinary speech, journalistic reporting and criticism of public officials.
A copy of the letter bears an Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Registry received stamp dated November 6, 2026, confirming that it was received by the DPP’s office on that date.
Signed by ULS President Isaac K. Ssemakadde, the letter challenges the prosecution of businesswoman Kushaba Susan, who faces three counts of sending false distress signals in Criminal Case No. BUG-CO-1632/2026 before the Chief Magistrate’s Court at Buganda Road.
Susan Kushaba was remanded to Luzira Women’s Prison until November 17, 2026, over TikTok videos published on the account @The Investigator. UG between January and October 2026.
According to the prosecution particulars cited in the protest, the videos allegedly accused several public officials, including Kampala Minister Minsa Kabanda Nabbengo, State Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs Kyofatogabye Joseph Kabuye, and Katumba Muzamir Milundi, of fraud, land grabbing and embezzlement of public funds.
ULS argues that the videos contained allegations and opinions on matters of public interest rather than false emergency messages capable of misleading emergency services, which it says is the conduct contemplated under Section 82.
The lawyers also cite the earlier prosecution of journalist Arnold Anthony Mukose, who faced the same charge after allegedly publishing claims that First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni was dead.
The case was later dismissed for want of prosecution after Mukose had spent time on remand.
The society argues that maintaining such prosecutions violates constitutional protections of freedom of expression and personal liberty, as well as the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions’ Decision to Charge Guidelines of 2023.
It says prosecutors are required to establish both a realistic prospect of conviction and that prosecution is in the public interest before preferring charges.
ULS is demanding that the DPP review and discontinue pending prosecutions under Section 82 arising from ordinary speech, journalistic reporting and public-interest criticism.
It also wants the office to issue a circular directing prosecutors against using the provision to criminalise social media content and online publications that do not involve false emergency signals.
The society has given the DPP seven days from receipt of the letter to provide a written response outlining measures to address the concerns.
It has also warned that prosecutors who knowingly maintain what it considers baseless charges could face personal civil liability for malicious prosecution and violations of fundamental rights.
The letter was copied to the Attorney General, Chief Justice, Inspector General of Government, Uganda Human Rights Commission and Uganda Communications Commission, among other institutions
