TikToker, Henry Nyanzi, has been granted a police bond after issuing a public apology for making defamatory remarks against former Minister for Water, Ronald Kibuule, in a viral video.
Nyanzi, arrested earlier this week, expressed deep remorse for his false statements and offered to meet Kibuule in person to apologize.
The controversy began when Nyanzi, using his TikTok account, accused Kibuule of land grabbing and claimed that villagers had cursed the minister, leading to the tragic drowning of his children and his loss of a parliamentary seat.
Nyanzi later admitted these allegations were baseless.In a statement posted across his social media platforms, Nyanzi said,
“I fully acknowledge that the information I shared was false and misleading. I deeply regret the distress my words have caused to Mr. Kibuule and his family.”He also vowed to be more responsible with his use of social media.
Harriet Nankabirwa, a senior National Resistance Movement (NRM) official, facilitated Nyanzi’s release on bond and has since been mediating between Nyanzi and Kibuule.
She revealed that Nyanzi made the offending video under the influence of alcohol and that Kibuule is open to forgiving him if he takes full responsibility.
Efforts to reach Kibuule for comment have been unsuccessful, but the case underscores the potential consequences of social media misuse in Uganda.
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