TikToker Denied Bail for Alleged Harassment of Ministers Nabakooba and Atwine

Hassan Nsubuga, a 40-year-old TikTok user, has been formally charged and subsequently denied bail by the City Hall Court. He faces a total of six counts related to alleged online harassment and unlawful data handling targeting prominent government figures, including Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba and Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Diana Atwine.

Senior Magistrate Edgar Karakure made the ruling after the prosecution successfully objected to the suitability of the sureties Nsubuga presented for his bail application. The prosecution argued that the sureties, identified as the accused’s sister and a friend, did not meet the court’s requirements to guarantee Nsubuga’s appearance for trial.

Magistrate Karakure echoed these concerns, stating that the proposed sureties were not “substantial enough” and lacked the authority or verifiable connection to compel Nsubuga’s attendance. The court also lacked sufficient details about the business interests presented by the sureties. Nsubuga, who pleaded not guilty to all charges, was remanded until November 5, with instructions to return with more appropriate sureties.

Investigations into the matter are reportedly ongoing. The charges against Nsubuga stem from alleged electronic communications posted on his TikTok account, ‘@President Uganda First Lawyer wa Bantu Babulijjo’, in September 2026. These include accusations of financial impropriety against Minister Nabakooba and undermining health services, allegedly leading to deaths, against Dr. Atwine. The prosecution contends these statements constituted threats of physical harm and aimed to ridicule and degrade the officials. Nsubuga also faces charges for unlawfully obtaining and disclosing personal data and cyber stalking, which involve repeated electronic contact intended to disturb the officials’ peace and privacy.