The Buganda Road Chief Magistrate has charged and remanded a journalist to Luzira prison for allegedly publishing fake news against Minister Milly Babalanda.
Remmy Asiteza appeared before Chief Magistrate Ritah Neumbe Kidasa, who read the two charges of publishing fake news and broadcasting without a licence.
He denied the charges slapped against him by the state.
Asiteza, a 32-year-old male adult of Lugbara origin and a journalist residing in Ntinda Ministers Village, Nakawa Division, Kampala District, appeared before court on Thursday.
The prosecution, led by Chief State Attorney Joan Keko, told court that inquiries into the matter were still ongoing and asked for more time.
“Investigations in the matter are still ongoing. We pray for more time,” Ms Keko told court.
According to the charge sheet, Asiteza and others still at large are accused of publishing what the prosecution describes as fake news between July 7 and 8, 2026, in Kampala or its vicinity.
The first count alleges that Asiteza published a story on the Daily Express website, Dailyexpress.co.ug, titled “Museveni Orders ISO probe into billions swindled under assistant RDCs recruitment scheme.”
Prosecution alleges that the article stated that Minister Babalanda was corrupt and involved in a scandal relating to the recruitment of Assistant Resident District Commissioners, claims which the prosecution says were false.
The first charge is brought under Regulation 110(e) of the Uganda Communications (Licensing) Regulations, Statutory Instrument No. 95 of 2019.
The second count accuses Asiteza and others still at large of broadcasting without a licence, contrary to Section 28(1) and (2) of the Uganda Communications Act, Cap 103.
Prosecution alleges that the accused broadcast through the Daily Express website without a licence issued by the Uganda Communications Commission.
After hearing the submissions, Magistrate Kidasa ordered that Asiteza be remanded until September 9, when the court will hear his bail application and mention of the case.