Arnold Anthony Mukose, 41, has been dragged to court and remanded over allegedly spreading false information claiming that First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni had died and he denied two charges tied to the controversial publication.
According to court documents, Mukose a resident of Upper Konge Zone in Makindye is accused of publishing fake news on an online platform known as Alternative Digtalk Channel between January 26 and March 29.
The prosecution says he knowingly shared false information announcing the death of the First Lady, an act said to be in violation of Regulation 110(C) of the Uganda Communications Commission (Licensing) Regulations, 2019.
He is also facing a second charge under Section 82 of the Uganda Communications Act for allegedly sending false distress signals.
Court heard that Mukose “knowingly sent or caused to be transmitted a false message” regarding Janet Museveni’s death a claim that later sparked public confusion before being dismissed as untrue.
State prosecutor Racheal Namutebi told court that investigations into the matter are now complete and requested that a hearing date be fixed.
However, Mukose’s lawyer, Kato Tumusiime, quickly pushed for bail, arguing that his client is innocent until proven guilty and qualifies for temporary release.
“He is a responsible person with a family of three school-going children. The offence is bailable, he has no criminal record, and we have presented three sureties,” the defence told court.
But the prosecution opposed the immediate bail hearing, asking for more time to verify the documents and details of the sureties presented.
Grade One Magistrate Ivan Maloba agreed with the state and adjourned the matter to April 14, 2026, when a ruling on the bail application is expected.
