The remand of former St Balikuddembe Market (Owino Market) chairperson Susan Kushaba to Luzira Prison over allegations of publishing offensive TikTok content targeting senior government officials has opened a new chapter in the political and legal battles surrounding the outspoken businesswoman and Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) mobiliser.
Kushaba, 46, was on Thursday (today), arraigned before Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court, where she denied three counts of allegedly sending false distress signals through electronic communication, arising from videos prosecutors say were published on TikTok.
Chief Magistrate Ritah Neumbe Kidasa remanded her to Luzira Prison until November 17, 2026, when the court is expected to consider the prosecution’s response to her bail application.
Her arrest and subsequent remand have attracted attention because Kushaba is not only a former leader of one of Kampala’s most influential markets but also a politically active figure associated with Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Patriotic League of Uganda.
She is also a regular panelist on The Investigator TV, where she hosts the weekly programme Kushaba Roars, which premieres every Friday. Through the programme and her social media platforms, she has established herself as an outspoken commentator on public accountability, political leadership, corruption and the management of public resources.
Her latest court appearance has therefore raised questions about the implications of the criminal proceedings for her political mobilisation activities and media engagements.
Three charges over social media publications
According to the charge sheet, the allegations stem from content published between January and October 2026 through a TikTok account identified as @The Investigator UG.
Prosecution alleges that Kushaba published a video accusing Kampala Minister Minsa Kabanda Nabbengo of being a fraudster and land grabber.
In another count, she is accused of accusing State Minister for Kampala Capital City and Metropolitan Affairs Joseph Kabuye Kyofatogabye of misappropriating money allegedly collected from boda boda riders and taxi operators in Kampala.
The third count relates to businessman Muzamir Milundi Katumba, whom she allegedly accused of grabbing land on which Kamwokya KCCA Primary School is situated.
The prosecution, led by Chief State Attorney Allan Mucunguzi and Grace Amy, told court that the alleged publications were made in different locations, including Mukono and Wakiso districts.
Kushaba denied all three charges when they were read to her. Her lawyers, led by Robert Bautu, subsequently applied for bail and presented four proposed sureties. However, the prosecution asked for time to verify the documents submitted in support of the application before responding.
Bautu objected to what he described as unnecessary delays in processing bail applications, arguing that the sureties’ documents had already been uploaded onto the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS).
He urged court to grant his client interim bail as the prosecution verified the documents, warning against what he described as a practice of keeping accused persons in custody through repeated requests for verification.
But Chief Magistrate Neumbe declined to grant interim bail, saying the prosecution was entitled to reasonable time to verify the sureties.
She ruled that she was not persuaded that the prosecution had verified all the documents submitted the previous day and remanded Kushaba until November 17.
The charges are brought under Section 82 of the Uganda Communications Act, relating to sending false distress signals. They are not a conviction, and Kushaba remains presumed innocent unless proved guilty.
PLU connection puts political spotlight on case
Beyond the courtroom proceedings, Kushaba’s political association with PLU has added another dimension to the case. She is among the outspoken mobilisers associated with the organisation led by Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces and son of President Museveni.
Kushaba has used her public appearances and online platforms to champion political causes associated with the PLU chairman while also challenging government officials over issues she considers matters of public interest. Her relationship with Kampala Minister Kabanda has, however, been particularly contentious.
The two women have a history of political and administrative disagreements dating back to the management of St Balikuddembe Market, popularly known as Owino Market, where Kushaba previously served as chairperson.
The rivalry later spilled into elective politics during the 2026 Kampala Central parliamentary contest, in which Kushaba challenged Kabanda, who retained the seat on the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket.
Kushaba subsequently questioned Kabanda’s political influence and her capacity to mobilise Kampala residents behind Gen Muhoozi’s political ambitions.
In one of her reported remarks, she questioned how Kabanda could mobilise Kampala residents behind Muhoozi when, according to Kushaba, she had struggled to secure genuine support in her own parliamentary contest.
The disagreement has since provided a political backdrop to the latest criminal proceedings, although the court will be required to determine the charges on the evidence presented rather than the political history between the individuals involved.
PLU media coordinator and mobiliser Frank Mwesigye has previously rallied behind Kushaba amid concerns over the circumstances surrounding the investigations and her summons.
Mwesigye has challenged authorities over what he considered possible interference with the justice process, warning against the use of police and judicial institutions to settle political or personal scores.
Mwesigye’s earlier intervention provides context to the PLU’s interest in Kushaba’s legal troubles, although it should not be mistaken for a fresh statement responding to Thursday’s remand.
The PLU mobiliser was particularly critical of what he viewed as attempts to intimidate members of the organisation through criminal investigations.
In the earlier intervention, Mwesigye reportedly warned that police and judicial officers who allowed themselves to be used against PLU members such as Kushaba would face sanctions. He also said the organisation had the capacity to reprimand officers whom it considered to have acted improperly.
Although Mwesigye’s earlier remarks were made before Thursday’s court appearance, they illustrate the political sensitivity surrounding Kushaba’s prosecution and the possibility of further confrontation between PLU supporters and government officials.
His position is particularly significant given his influence within the PLU leadership and his close association with Gen Muhoozi.
Kushaba Roars programme faces fresh attention
Kushaba’s remand also puts her media activities in the spotlight, particularly her weekly programme Kushaba Roars on The Investigator TV.
The programme, which premieres every Friday, has provided her with a platform to discuss political developments, challenge public officials and raise questions about accountability and governance.
As a regular panelist, she has become one of the recognisable voices on the television platform, using her appearances to interrogate issues affecting Kampala traders, market vendors and ordinary citizens.
Her outspoken approach has sometimes brought her into confrontation with powerful political and business figures, particularly over land ownership, market administration and the management of public resources.
The latest case, however, raises questions about the boundaries between political criticism, freedom of expression and criminal liability for statements published on social media.
It also comes at a time when political mobilisation around Gen Muhoozi’s presidential ambitions is gaining momentum, with PLU stepping up efforts to expand its support base.
Kushaba’s political activism and media profile mean that her continued detention could become a subject of discussion within the organisation, particularly among supporters who regard her as one of its outspoken mobilisers.
For now, her immediate legal battle is centred on securing temporary freedom as the prosecution responds to her bail application.
The November 17 court appearance will therefore be an important moment for the businesswoman, whose journey from Owino Market leadership to parliamentary politics, television commentary and PLU mobilisation has now taken an unexpected turn inside Luzira Prison. The prosecution must still prove its allegations, while Kushaba retains the right to defend herself against the charges.
Author Profile
- Mr. Stephen Kasozi Muwambi is a seasoned crime investigative writer, majoring in judicial-based stories. His two decades’ experience as a senior investigative journalist has made him one of the best to reckon on in Uganda. He can also be reached via [email protected]
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