Ugandan journalist granted bail after detention over false Janet Museveni death claim
After spending more than a month in remand, journalist Arnold Anthony Mukose has been granted cash bail of Ush5 million by the Law Development Centre Court in Kampala.
Grade One Magistrate Ivan Maloba on Tuesday ruled that the offences Mukose faces are bailable and that the sureties presented by the defence were substantial. Each of the sureties was bonded at Ush50 million non-cash.
“The charge is bailable and the sureties are substantial,” Magistrate Maloba ruled.
The court also fixed May 18, 2026, as the hearing date for the case in which Mukose is accused of publishing false information announcing the death of First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni.
Mukose, 41, had been on remand since early April after appearing before the same court and denying three charges, including broadcasting fake news and sending false distress signals.
According to the prosecution, led by Ms Racheal Namutebi, Mukose and others still at large allegedly published false information between January 26 and March 29, 2026, claiming that the First Lady was dead. The alleged information was disseminated via an online platform identified as Alternative Digitalk channel.
One of the charges states that Mukose “knowingly and unlawfully published fake news… that First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni is dead,” contrary to Regulation 110(e) of the Uganda Communications Commission (Licensing) Regulations, 2019.
He is also accused of sending false distress signals, contrary to Section 82 of the Uganda Communications Act.
During earlier proceedings, the state told court that investigations into the matter had been completed and requested that the case be fixed for hearing.
“Inquiries in this matter are complete. We pray for a hearing date,” Ms Namutebi submitted.
The charges stem from an incident that attracted widespread public attention after reports circulated online alleging the death of the First Lady, claims that were later dismissed as false.
Mukose’s arrest in late March sparked criticism from sections of the legal fraternity and media bodies, including the Uganda Law Society, which called for his release.
He was reportedly picked up by plain-clothed security operatives shortly after appearing on a political talk show in Old Kampala and driven away in a waiting van.
The case highlights growing concerns over misinformation on digital platforms and enforcement of communication laws governing online content in Uganda.
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