A man in Mbarara, identified as Robros Kanyankole, has been arrested for allegedly using social media to spread defamatory claims about local public figures. Kanyankole is accused of running a TikTok account named Mbrara HIV, which published posts linking several musicians and deejays in the region to HIV/AIDS without evidence.
Police say Kanyankole inadvertently revealed his identity during a live TikTok session. While attempting to navigate the app, he accidentally went live, briefly showing his face to followers before ending the stream. However, the brief exposure was enough for online users to recognize him, prompting swift backlash and condemnation.
Several individuals who were targeted by the posts filed complaints with the police, leading to an investigation. Kanyankole was subsequently apprehended and admitted to being behind the account.
In police custody, he apologized for his actions, explaining that he was driven by a desire for online fame and engagement. The aspiring musician expressed remorse, saying the experience had taught him a painful lesson. He pledged to turn a new leaf and use his platform more responsibly going forward.
