KAMPALA, November 5, 2026 — Outspoken political activist and former Owino Market chairperson Susan Kushaba has been remanded to Luzira Prison following her appearance before Buganda Road Chief Magistrate's Court over allegations that she made insulting and potentially false accusations against senior government officials.

Kushaba, who unsuccessfully contested the Kampala Central parliamentary seat in January 2026, was on Thursday charged with three counts of sending false distress signals, contrary to Section 82 of the Uganda Communications Act.

She pleaded not guilty before Chief Magistrate Ritah Neumbe Kidasa, but her attempt to secure temporary release was unsuccessful after prosecutors requested additional time to verify documents submitted by her proposed bail sureties.

The magistrate consequently ordered her remand to Luzira Prison until November 17, 2026, when her bail application is scheduled for consideration.

The decision marks a significant development in a dispute involving Kushaba, Kampala Minister Minsa Kabanda and State Minister Kabuye Kyofatogabye, whose conduct she allegedly criticised through social media broadcasts.

TikTok Accusations Against Kampala Ministers Lead to Criminal Charges

According to the prosecution, the criminal charges arise from statements Kushaba allegedly made between January and October 2026 during appearances on a TikTok account identified as The Investigator.

Prosecutors Allan Mucunguzi and Grace Amy told the court that Kushaba allegedly described Kampala Minister Minsa Kabanda as a fraudster and land grabber.

In a separate allegation, she reportedly accused State Minister for Kampala Kabuye Kyofatogabye of fraud and embezzlement involving money collected from boda boda riders and taxi operators.

The third count concerns Muzamiru Katumba Mirundi, whom Kushaba allegedly accused of grabbing land belonging to Kamwokya KCCA Primary School.

The prosecution maintains that the communications constitute offences under the Uganda Communications Act.

However, the truth or falsity of the underlying accusations has not been judicially established, and Kushaba has denied criminal wrongdoing.

Court Rejects Immediate Release as Kushaba Is Sent to Luzira

The proceedings took a decisive turn when Kushaba's legal team, led by lawyer Robert Bautu, applied for bail and presented four proposed sureties.

State prosecutors opposed an immediate determination of the application, arguing that they required additional time to verify the documents submitted by the sureties.

Bautu challenged the request, arguing that the necessary documentation had already been uploaded to the Electronic Court Case Management Information System.

He maintained that delays in verifying sureties should not automatically result in an accused person remaining in custody and requested interim bail for his client.

Chief Magistrate Neumbe declined the request, finding that the prosecution was entitled to reasonable time to conduct the verification process.

The court subsequently remanded Kushaba to Luzira Prison until November 17.

The remand is a temporary custodial measure pending further court proceedings, not a conviction or sentence for the alleged offences.

Longstanding Political Rivalry With Minister Minsa Kabanda

Kushaba's prosecution comes against a background of longstanding disagreements with Kampala Minister Minsa Kabanda.

The two have previously clashed over the leadership and administration of St Balikuddembe Market, commonly known as Owino Market, one of Uganda's largest commercial trading centres.

Kushaba previously served as the market's interim chairperson before becoming increasingly involved in political mobilisation and public commentary.

Their disagreements subsequently extended into electoral politics when both contested the Kampala Central parliamentary seat in January 2026.

Kabanda was declared the winner on the National Resistance Movement ticket, while Kushaba failed to secure the seat.

Kushaba has also been associated with the Patriotic League of Uganda, the political mobilisation organisation linked to Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

During previous public appearances, she questioned Kabanda's political influence and ability to mobilise support for Muhoozi in Kampala.

Although the political rivalry provides context for the dispute, no court has established that the criminal prosecution was initiated because of electoral competition or political retaliation.

Police Summons Preceded Kushaba's Court Appearance

The court proceedings followed an earlier police summons dated October 31, directing Kushaba to report to the Criminal Investigations Directorate at Kampala's Central Police Station on November 2.

The summons concerned allegations of publishing false information and sending a false distress signal.

Kushaba subsequently questioned aspects of the police process on social media, raising concerns about how the summons had been communicated.

Her appearance before Buganda Road Chief Magistrate's Court formally brought the allegations under judicial consideration.

The charges now before the court concern specific statements prosecutors say were communicated through TikTok.

Political Criticism, Alleged Insults and the Limits of Free Expression

Beyond Kushaba's immediate legal circumstances, the proceedings raise broader questions about the boundaries between political criticism, allegations of misconduct and criminal liability for online communications.

Public officials are frequently subjected to criticism concerning their performance, decisions and management of public resources.

However, accusations involving fraud, embezzlement and land grabbing can carry serious reputational consequences, particularly when directed at identifiable individuals.

The legal question before the court is not simply whether Kushaba criticised or insulted government officials, but whether the alleged communications satisfy the elements of the specific criminal offences charged.

The prosecution must establish those elements through admissible evidence, while Kushaba retains the right to challenge the allegations and present her defence.

Her plea of not guilty means the criminal accusations remain contested.

November 17 Bail Hearing Becomes Kushaba's Next Legal Test

For Kushaba, the immediate priority is now securing release from custody as her lawyers pursue the pending bail application.

The November 17 hearing is expected to address the prosecution's response to the documents submitted by her proposed sureties.

Her remand represents a significant turn in a public career spanning market leadership, political activism, parliamentary campaigning and social media commentary.

What began as a series of allegations against government officials has now developed into criminal proceedings that have resulted in her detention.

Whether those statements constitute criminal offences remains a question for the judiciary.

Until the court reaches a determination, Kushaba remains presumed innocent of the charges brought against her.