Ugandan Youtuber Shalom Kaweesi Appears in Makindye Court Earlier Than Expected for Bail Hearing

Ugandan Youtuber and online commentator Shalom Kaweesi is to appear before the Makindye Magistrates Court today, 23rd December, for a bail hearing in his ongoing case involving charges of cyber harassment and hate speech.

Kaweesi had initially been expected to appear in court on 30th December after he was remanded following his first court appearance. However, due to the efforts of his legal team, who successfully applied for a production warrant, the court ordered that he be produced earlier, allowing his bail hearing to take place today.

The social media personality was charged under the Computer Misuse Act, with prosecutors alleging that he shared online content deemed abusive and hateful toward another public figure. The prosecution claims the material amounted to cyber harassment and hate speech, offenses that carry penalties under Ugandan law.

Kaweesi has denied the charges, maintaining that he did not intend to harass or incite hatred. His lawyers argue that he is a law-abiding citizen with a fixed place of abode and is willing to comply with all court conditions if granted bail.

The case has attracted public attention, particularly among digital rights advocates and content creators, who say it reflects the growing scrutiny of online speech in Uganda. The court is expected to rule on the bail application as proceedings continue.