MASAKA . Journalists in Greater Masaka sub region are up in arms after Masaka City Woman MP elect Justine Nameere caused the arrest of UBC TV journalist Frank Bwekumbule and two TikTokers Frank Kaggwa and Joseph Kikawa .
The trio was on Thursday remanded to Masaka Main Prison as court proceedings stalled in the absence of the state prosecutor, raising concerns over due process and press freedom
The presiding magistrate, Abdallah Kayiza, ruled that the accused could not be granted bail at this stage due to the absence of the state prosecutor, Michael Wakosase, who was reportedly engaged in official duties elsewhere.
The trio was formally charged with personation, a charge they denied. They were remanded until May 7, 2026, as investigations into their case continue.
This comes despite earlier police statements indicating that they could face additional charges, including defamation, offensive communication, and spreading malicious video content targeting Masaka City Woman MP-elect Justine Nameere .
Personation is the act of pretending to be someone else or falsely claiming a role or identity in order to deceive others.
It becomes a criminal offence when a person does this deliberately to gain trust, spread information, or obtain a benefit under false pretences.
According to the prosecution, between March and April 2026, the accused allegedly used TikTok platforms to record, publish, and circulate videos containing malicious information while falsely presenting themselves as journalists.
The accused were brought to court at around 10:00 AM but only appeared before the magistrate at approximately 5pm.
Bwekumbule appeared visibly weak and in pain, having reportedly been assaulted recently while returning home from work. At the time of his arrest, he was still undergoing medical treatment.
Defense lawyer Pius Kabiswa requested court to grant bail, citing Bwekumbule’s deteriorating health condition.
He presented several sureties, including Bwekumbule’s father Joseph Kiwanuka, his brother David Kintu, his wife Juliet Nakaccwa, and fellow journalists.
However, the bail application could not proceed after the prosecution informed court of its engagement in another case at the High Court, prompting a 20-minute adjournment.
Upon resumption, Magistrate Kayiza ruled that due to the absence of the state prosecutor, the suspects would be remanded until May 7, 2026.
Family members expressed frustration over the denial of bail, accusing authorities of unfair treatment. Bwekumbule’s brother, David Kintu, said the process appeared predetermined.
“We were rushed through the process, and when we reached court, the state was absent. We hear there were instructions to ensure they are remanded for two weeks. This undermines justice.”
Journalists under their umbrella body, the Greater Masaka Journalists Association, also condemned the development, describing it as an attack on press freedom.
“Our colleague is unwell and needs medical attention, yet he has been denied bail. This raises concerns about fairness and the safety of journalists,” some members said.
Kabiswa assured the accused and their families that efforts are underway to secure their release before the scheduled return date.
“We are going to apply for a production warrant so they can be brought back to court earlier, either on Friday April 24, 2026, or Monday April 27, 2026, and renew the bail application, especially considering Bwekumbule’s urgent medical condition,” he said.