TikToker Dean Saava Ordered to Pay Shs100 Million for Defaming Deputy IGG

A recent High Court ruling has mandated controversial TikTok personality Dean Lubowa Saava to pay a substantial Shs100 million in general damages to Deputy Inspector General of Government Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe. The court found that Saava had published false and defamatory statements accusing Muhairwe of corruption.

Justice Joyce Kavuma delivered the judgment, which also imposed a permanent injunction on Saava, preventing him from making further defamatory remarks against the Deputy IGG. Additionally, Saava is required to issue a public apology on his “TV10 Gano Mazima” platform, the very channel where the damaging allegations were first broadcast.

The lawsuit stemmed from Saava’s on-air accusations that Ms. Muhairwe had improperly received Shs200 million connected to a road project and was unfit for public office. The Deputy IGG vehemently denied these claims, labeling them as malicious, false, and reckless.

Court documents indicate that Saava did not contest the suit, failing to file a defense or appear in court despite proper notification. Consequently, the hearing proceeded ex parte.

Judge Kavuma concluded that Saava’s statements were clearly defamatory, portraying Ms. Muhairwe as corrupt and unfit for her role. The court noted that these allegations were repeated despite warnings and were intended to harm her reputation, reaching an audience exceeding 300,000 individuals on his TikTok page.

This civil judgment adds to Saava’s legal woes. He was recently convicted for operating an unlicensed online television station, “TV10 Gano Mazima,” for which he was fined Shs4 million. Equipment used for broadcasting was also forfeited to the Uganda Communications Commission.

The Uganda Communications Commission has highlighted Saava’s case as an example of how digital platforms can be misused to spread falsehoods and damage reputations, noting previous complaints of defamation, intimidation, and blackmail against public officials.

Source: Nile Post