TikToker Dean Lubowa ordered to pay Shs 100 million for defamation

High Court Judge Joyce Kavuma has ruled that digital media journalist Dean Lubowa Saava defamed the Deputy Inspector General of Government (IGG), Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe. Saava must now pay Shs 100 million in general damages.

The court found that Saava, through his TikTok account, TV10 Gano Mazima, broadcast statements that falsely portrayed Muhairwe as corrupt and unfit for public office, thereby damaging her reputation and exposing her to public ridicule.

Saava had alleged that Muhairwe received Shs 200 million from engineers involved in a Kaabong district road project and influenced investigations into the matter. He also accused her of other corrupt dealings and questioned her competence.

Muhairwe denied all allegations, stating she had never received the money, engaged in such activities, or visited the district related to the claims. Saava failed to file a defense, leading to an ex parte ruling.

Justice Kavuma observed that Saava continued publishing the claims despite warnings, demonstrating malice. Evidence was also presented indicating Saava admitted in a separate criminal case, through a plea bargain, that his statements were false.

In addition to damages, Saava is subject to a permanent injunction preventing further defamatory publications and must issue a public apology on his TikTok platform. The court declined to award exemplary damages as no financial benefit was proven from the publications.

This defamation case follows a separate conviction in February 2026, where Saava was fined Shs 4 million for operating an unlicensed online television service and disobeying regulatory directives from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). Equipment was also forfeited in that case.

Source: https://observer.ug/news/tiktoker-dean-lubowa-fined-shs-100m-for-defaming-deputy-igg