KAMPALA, November 5, 2026 — Former Owino Market leader Susan Kushaba has been remanded to Luzira Prison after pleading not guilty to three charges linked to statements allegedly made through TikTok.
Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court deferred her bail application to November 17, 2026, following a prosecution request for additional time to verify documents submitted by her proposed sureties. www.monitor.co.ug
Kushaba faces accusations of sending false distress signals. The proceedings concern alleged communications about Kampala Minister Minsa Kabanda, State Minister Kabuye Kyofatogabye and another individual.
Her remand does not constitute a finding of guilt. She has denied every count.
Defence Bid for Immediate Release Unsuccessful
Kushaba’s legal team sought bail during Thursday’s appearance, arguing that the documents supporting her application were already available to the prosecution.
Defence lawyer Robert Bautu said the paperwork had been uploaded to the Electronic Court Case Management Information System the previous day. He maintained that the information supplied could assist prosecutors in checking the sureties’ identities and supporting documents.
The prosecution asked for more time to complete those checks and prepare its response.
Although the defence requested interim release while verification continued, the court declined. It allowed the prosecution time to examine the documents and ordered Kushaba’s remand to Luzira pending the next hearing. nilepost.co.ug
TikTok Communications at the Centre of the Case
The charges were brought under Section 82 of the Uganda Communications Act.
Prosecutors allege that Kushaba made the disputed statements between January and October 2026 through appearances on a TikTok account known as The Investigator.
One count concerns accusations of fraud and land grabbing allegedly directed at Kabanda. A second relates to statements accusing Kyofatogabye of embezzling money collected from boda boda riders and taxi operators.
The remaining count involves allegations concerning Muzamiru Katumba Mirundi and land belonging to Kamwokya KCCA Primary School.
These are the prosecution’s descriptions of the communications. They do not establish that the people named committed the alleged wrongdoing, or that Kushaba committed the offences charged. Her not-guilty pleas leave those matters contested. nilepost.co.ug
Market Disagreements Extended Into Electoral Politics
Kushaba previously held a leadership role at St Balikuddembe Market, widely known as Owino Market.
Her disagreements with Kabanda developed amid disputes over the market’s management. Their rivalry later extended to the Kampala Central parliamentary race in January 2026.
Kabanda won the seat on the National Resistance Movement ticket. Kushaba continued to participate in public political discussions after her unsuccessful campaign.
That background explains some of the attention surrounding the proceedings. The criminal case, however, concerns the specific statements identified by prosecutors and whether the evidence supports the charges.
Kushaba Awaits November 17 Bail Hearing
The next scheduled hearing will address Kushaba’s application for release after the prosecution has had an opportunity to review the supporting paperwork.
A bail decision is separate from a determination of the criminal allegations. Thursday’s proceedings did not result in a conviction or a sentence.
For now, Susan Kushaba remains remanded to Luzira Prison, awaiting the November 17 hearing at Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court.
