Police have arrested a 20-year-old man, identified as Musana Ivan, after he appeared in a viral TikTok video wearing a military jacket and making inciting statements.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Musana is not a member of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and had falsely presented himself as an army officer.
The video, which quickly circulated on social media, raised concerns over public safety and the potential spread of misinformation.
Authorities tracked Musana to Bukedea District, where he was apprehended and is currently detained at Kawempe Police Station pending further investigations.
“The suspect deliberately misrepresented himself as a UPDF officer while recording the video,” a statement from the Uganda Police Force said.
“Investigations are ongoing, and the case file will be forwarded to the Office of the Resident State Attorney for legal review and advice.”
The arrest comes as Uganda approaches its General Elections, scheduled for 15th January 2026.
Police have urged the public to exercise caution when posting on social media, warning that content that constitutes threats, hate speech, or impersonation of security personnel is punishable under Ugandan law and could result in prosecution.
Social media impersonation of military personnel has become a growing concern, particularly during politically sensitive periods.
Experts say such acts can incite unrest, spread false information, and undermine public trust in security agencies.
The Uganda Police Force has reiterated its commitment to monitoring online activity and maintaining public order, emphasizing that any attempt to misuse social media to create fear or confusion will be dealt with according to the law.
Authorities continue to investigate the motives behind Musana’s actions and whether other individuals were involved in producing or promoting the video.