Anti-corruption activist Susan Kushaba is expected to appear before the Criminal Investigations Directorate at Central Police Station in Kampala to record a statement over allegations of publishing fake news and sending a false distress signal. Kushaba was summoned in a letter dated October 31, 2026, directing her to report to Room 41 at 8:00 am. The letter, addressed to Kushaba, a resident of Kiwanga Village in Goma Division, Mukono Municipality, states that the CID is investigating allegations of publishing fake news and sending a false distress signal.
The summons comes shortly after Kushaba appeared in an interview with a blogger, criticizing businessman Hamis Kiggundu for allegedly exploiting his connections at State House to evade tax obligations. Kushaba questioned the influence of political connections in protecting wealthy individuals from accountability, arguing that businessmen should meet their tax obligations like other citizens. Her criticism adds to a series of public confrontations over Kiggundu's business interests in Kampala.
In 2025, Kushaba petitioned the World Bank over the Nakivubo Channel redevelopment, raising concerns about environmental safeguards, transparency, and the potential impact of the project on traders. She also called on President Yoweri Museveni to reconsider his support for the project. Kiggundu has previously faced public scrutiny over his business dealings and property tax obligations.
The summons has raised questions about the relationship between the ongoing police investigation and the prosecution process. Kushaba took to social media, questioning the circumstances under which the police letter was delivered, particularly its use of a Director of Public Prosecutions envelope. She expressed concerns that the prosecution process may have already begun before the due process has run its course.
The apparent use of a DPP envelope has sparked debate about the independence of the investigation and potential bias. However, the letter itself does not indicate that the DPP has sanctioned charges against Kushaba or that a decision to prosecute has been made. Under Uganda's criminal justice system, police ordinarily investigate complaints, record statements, and compile case files before forwarding them to the DPP for legal advice and a decision on prosecution.
The summons comes against the background of recent legal developments surrounding Uganda's laws on false information and computer-related offences. In 2023, Parliament repealed Section 50 of the Penal Code Act, which criminalized the publication of false statements likely to cause public fear or alarm. In March 2026, the Constitutional Court also nullified several provisions of the Computer Misuse Act over procedural irregularities in their enactment.
Kushaba's case has sparked concerns about the potential impact on freedom of speech and the role of activists in promoting accountability in Uganda. Her supporters argue that the summons is an attempt to silence her and undermine her efforts to expose corruption and promote transparency. The outcome of the investigation and potential prosecution will be closely watched by human rights groups and the international community.
Key points
- The summons of Susan Kushaba has raised concerns about the potential impact on freedom of speech and the role of activists in promoting accountability in Uganda.
- The use of a DPP envelope in the summons has sparked debate about the independence of the investigation and potential bias.
- The case has sparked concerns about the potential impact on Uganda's laws on false information and computer-related offences.
