news 2 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Journalist Arnold Mukose Remanded for Falsely Announcing Janet Museveni's Death
DigiTalk Media journalist Arnold Anthony Mukose has been remanded to Luzira prison after denying charges of broadcasting fake news and sending false distress signals claiming First Lady Janet Museveni died. The court adjourned his bail application to April 14 amid concerns over online misinformation. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/journalist-remanded-over-declaring-janet-museveni-dead--5410030
A 41-year-old journalist from Makindye Division, Kampala, Arnold Anthony Mukose, faced charges at the Law Development Centre Chief Magistrate’s Court on April 1, 2026. He denied two counts: one for publishing fake news on the Alternative Digtalk Channel stating that First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni had died, violating Regulation 110(c) of the Uganda Communications Commission (Licensing) Regulations Act 2019, and another for transmitting false distress signals under Section 82 of the Uganda Communications Act.
The alleged offenses occurred between January 26 and March 29, 2026. Prosecutor Racheal Namutebi confirmed investigations were complete, while defense lawyer Kato Tumusiime pushed for bail, highlighting Mukose’s clean record, family ties, and sureties. The prosecution requested time to verify details, leading Magistrate Ivan Maloba to remand Mukose to Luzira Prison until April 14.
Mukose’s arrest followed a political talk show in Old Kampala, where plain-clothed security operatives detained him outside Metro FM. The incident drew criticism from legal and media groups. Though a 2004 Supreme Court ruling struck down criminalizing false news under the Penal Code, authorities now use communications laws to combat online misinformation.
Janet Museveni, wife of President Yoweri Museveni and Education Minister since 2016, has been a key political figure since 1986.
Source: Daily Monitor