Susan Kushaba Charged: Minsa Kabanda Insult Case in Uganda

• Former Owino Market leader Susan Kushaba has been charged at Buganda Road Chief Magistrate's Court for allegedly insulting Kampala Minister Minsa Kabanda.
• Kushaba is accused of describing Kabanda as a "fraudster" and "land grabber" during an appearance on "Investigator TikTok."
• The charges arise from a long-standing political rivalry between Kushaba and Kabanda, which included a contest in the January 2026 Kampala Central parliamentary election.
• This prosecution occurs amid a renewed legal debate in Uganda concerning laws that criminalize insulting remarks.
• On November 4, 2026, the Constitutional Court ruled that restricting protection under an insult-related law to only women and girls was unconstitutional, directing its amendment.

The case involving Susan Kushaba and Minister Minsa Kabanda serves as a critical illustration of the ongoing legal risks associated with public statements, particularly those perceived as insulting, within Uganda's current political climate.

Former leader of Owino Market, Susan Kushaba, has been formally charged at the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate's Court, facing accusations of insulting Kampala Minister Minsa Kabanda. The charges stem from remarks allegedly made by Kushaba during an appearance on "Investigator TikTok," where she reportedly labeled Minister Kabanda as both a "fraudster" and a "land grabber." These specific comments are the basis for the current criminal proceedings initiated against Kushaba.

The legal action against Kushaba highlights the increasing scrutiny of public statements made on digital platforms. Her alleged remarks, broadcast on TikTok, have now led to a formal court case, underscoring the potential legal repercussions for individuals who make critical or disparaging comments about public officials in Uganda. This development brings the issue of online speech and its boundaries into sharp focus within the country's legal system.

The charges against Susan Kushaba are set against a backdrop of a protracted political rivalry between her and Minister Minsa Kabanda. This animosity dates back to disputes over the administration of St Balikuddembe Market, widely known as Owino Market, where Kushaba previously held the position of interim chairperson. Their long-standing disagreements have frequently spilled into the public sphere, shaping their interactions and political contests.

The rivalry intensified during the January 2026 Kampala Central parliamentary election, in which both Kushaba and Kabanda were contenders. Kabanda ultimately secured the victory, representing the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket. Kushaba, who is affiliated with Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba's Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), had previously questioned Kabanda's political efficacy, notably asking, "If you could not genuinely win the election in Kampala Central, how are you going to mobilize these people to support Gen Muhoozi?" This query specifically challenged Kabanda's capacity to rally support for the Chief of Defence Forces' political aspirations, further illustrating the depth of their political antagonism.

This prosecution unfolds amidst a renewed and significant legal debate concerning statutes that criminalize insulting remarks in Uganda. The timing of Kushaba's charges coincides with recent judicial pronouncements that are shaping the interpretation and application of such laws. These discussions reflect a broader societal and legal grappling with the balance between freedom of expression and the protection of individuals, particularly public figures, from disparaging comments.

A notable development in this area occurred on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, when the Constitutional Court issued a ruling that declared unconstitutional a provision restricting protection under a specific law to only women and girls. The court mandated that this law be amended to ensure broader applicability, indicating a judicial willingness to review and reform legislation related to insults and defamation. This ruling, while not directly related to Kushaba's specific charge, provides a crucial legal backdrop, emphasizing the evolving landscape of laws pertaining to offensive speech in Uganda.

The case involving Susan Kushaba and Minister Minsa Kabanda serves as a critical illustration of the ongoing legal risks associated with public statements, particularly those perceived as insulting, within Uganda's current political climate. It underscores the potential for criminal prosecution arising from remarks made on social media platforms, highlighting the need for careful consideration of online discourse. This situation emphasizes that even seemingly casual comments made on platforms like TikTok can lead to serious legal consequences, especially when directed at public officials.

Lawyers in Uganda are increasingly faced with the imperative to advise clients, particularly those in public life or engaged in political commentary, on the intricate and evolving legal landscape surrounding criminal defamation and insult laws. The recent Constitutional Court rulings, which indicate a dynamic judicial approach to these statutes, further complicate their interpretation and enforcement. This case therefore stands as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between free speech and legal accountability, urging a cautious approach to public expression in the digital age.

This case highlights the ongoing legal risks associated with public statements, particularly those deemed insulting, in Uganda. Lawyers should advise clients, especially public figures or those involved in political discourse, on the evolving legal landscape surrounding criminal defamation and insult laws, considering recent Constitutional Court rulings that may impact their interpretation and enforcement. This underscores the potential for criminal prosecution for remarks made on social media platforms.

Source: Original reporting via Nile Post.