VIDEO: TikTokers remanded over minister Balaam sodomy claims

Two TikTokers accused of publishing allegations that Minister Balaam Barugahara sodomised one of them have been charged and remanded to prison. Ronald Mayega, also known as Munyarwanda Wa Bobi, and Swaibu Kakaire, alias One-One, appeared before Buganda Road Chief Magistrate's Court, presided over by Senior Principal Grade One Magistrate Winnie Nakanya Jatiko, on Tuesday. The two were charged with publishing fake news, broadcasting without a licence and conspiracy to commit a misdemeanour. They denied all the charges. According to the prosecution, led by Ms Grace Amy, the two men and others still at large allegedly used the TikTok account @one.one.ug.media in July 2026 to publish an audio-visual story claiming that Minister Barugahara had sodomised Mayega or knew those who had allegedly sodomised him. The two are also accused of broadcasting through the TikTok account without a licence from the Uganda Communications Commission. Ms Amy told court that investigations were still ongoing and asked for more time. 'Inquiries are still ongoing; we pray for an adjournment,' Amy told court. However, defence lawyer Jonathan Erotu told court that he had consulted with the accused, who wanted to address the magistrate. Mayega then told court that he had been tortured after his arrest and denied knowing the details of the case against him. 'I do not know the case, but when I was arrested I was tortured, forcing me to accept the charge,' Mayega told court. He claimed to have suffered several injuries, including a cracked nose, wounds on both legs, a swollen palm and an injured back. Mayega also alleged that he had been hit with a gun and said he was unable to walk without support. Kakaire separately told court that he had also been beaten while in custody. 'I was thrown in the drone and was beaten. Wounds are healing,' he said. Kakaire further claimed that the two were taken to Jinja Police Station, where they spent about a week. He alleged that he was forced to record a statement despite telling police that he was unwell. Defence lawyer Erotu asked the court to order a medical examination of both accused persons and have the findings presented before court. 'I pray that when they are in prison they are examined thoroughly and a report is made detailing the torture and submitted to court at the next appearance,' Erotu said. He also asked the court to consider bail, arguing that investigations were still ongoing. Ms Nakanya said the allegations of torture had been noted and required attention. 'Court knows that allegations of torture are serious in nature and the court is obligated to investigate into the same,' Magistrate Nakanya said. She directed prison authorities to conduct a complete medical examination of both accused persons and present a report to court at their next appearance. UPDATE: Buganda Road Chief Magistrate's Court has charged Ronald Mayega, alias Omunyarwanda wa Bobi and Swaibu Kakaire with publishing false sodomy claims against Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara. The duo has been remanded to Luzira Prison until September 28, 2026.… pic.twitter.com/bCxV9bH5Mh — Daily Monitor (@DailyMonitor) September 8, 2026 The two suspects were subsequently remanded to prison. Their case will come up for mention on September 28, 2026, at 9 a.m.