Charles Twiine remanded until June 17, 2025, as investigations into charges of hate speech and incitement continue. Twiine, the former spokesperson for the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), faces accusations of inciting violence, spreading malicious information, and promoting hate speech in Kampala between January 2024 and May 2025. These charges have drawn significant public attention.
Twiine appeared in court with his co-accused Noah Mitala, also known as Noah Mutwe. Both face eight charges, including conspiracy to commit a felony. Chief state attorney Richard Birivumbuka told the court that investigations are still ongoing. Despite this, both defendants requested bail, arguing their offenses are bailable under Ugandan law.
Twiine’s legal team presented four sureties to support his bail application. The sureties included Alex Atuhaire, a lecturer at Victoria University; Ketty Kabagenyi, his wife; James Mugisha, commissioner for compliance at the Equal Opportunities Commission; and Basimwa, his brother and director of Baguma Restaurant in Mbarara. Mitala presented his father, Henry Kabuye, and two relatives, Esther Harriet Namala and Juliet Namusoke.
Birivumbuka opposed the early ruling on bail, stating that the sureties’ documents needed verification. He also raised concerns about Mitala’s business claims. He pointed out the upcoming public holidays and a tight court schedule, which would make it hard to respond within the requested time. Magistrate Kayizzi granted the request for more time and set the next hearing for June 17, 2025. The prosecution must file its formal response by then.
The charges against Twiine are serious. The prosecution claims that Twiine used social media to incite Mitala to attack and kill President Yoweri Museveni and his son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Twiine allegedly suggested using pavers as weapons for these attacks. He also faces accusations of spreading malicious content via social media.
The prosecution claims that Twiine made inflammatory statements about Speaker of Parliament Anita Among. He allegedly called her “a rotten human being” and accused her of being “the chief sponsor of killings in Bukedea district.” Twiine also allegedly accused Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa of being “a money launderer, masquerader, and fraudster.” He is said to have referred to Gen. Muhoozi as “a fat pig and a crook” and Gen. James Birungi as “a crook and killer.” One of the most controversial remarks attributed to him involved an ethnic provocation. He allegedly said that “Bahima are killers.”
Both Twiine and Mitala deny the charges. They argue that the charges are politically motivated. They are facing trial alongside other prominent individuals, including Ibrahim Musana, known as Pressure 24 Seven, and Herbert Anderson Burora, the former Rubaga deputy RCC, who also face similar charges related to hate speech and malicious communication.
This case is part of a broader trend of investigations into hate speech and incitement, particularly among opposition groups in Uganda. Despite several arrests, no substantial evidence has been presented in court for many of these cases.
The prosecution faces significant challenges in providing verified evidence. This situation has drawn increased public scrutiny. If convicted, Twiine and Mitala could face severe penalties, setting a significant precedent for similar cases in Uganda.
The trial against Charles Twiine is ongoing. It highlights growing concerns over hate speech and incitement in Uganda. As the investigation progresses, the court’s handling of these charges will influence political discourse and define the limits of free speech in the country. All eyes will remain on Buganda Road Court as this high-profile case unfolds.
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