Entebbe Senior Magistrate Grade One, Edgar Tibayeita Tusiime, has sentenced Juma Musuuza, popularly known as Madubalah, to 12 months’ imprisonment for misusing social media.
The ruling came despite the state attorney’s request for a much harsher punishment.
The state had pushed for either a seven-year jail term or a fine of Shs 15 million, arguing that Musuuza’s actions were not isolated but part of a wider trend where social media users incite hatred through malicious publications about others.
However, the magistrate considered Musuuza’s personal circumstances.
He noted that Musuuza is a struggling family man and sole breadwinner, and that this was his first offense.
The court also acknowledged that he had already spent nearly 10 months on remand at Kigo prison.
As a result, instead of the maximum penalty, Musuuza will serve a 12-month sentence, meaning he will be released late next year.
The case highlights growing concerns about the misuse of social media in Uganda, as well as the balancing act courts face between punishment and compassion.
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