TikToker granted bond after apologising for insulting former Minister Kibuule

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Henry Nyanzi, a TikToker, has been released on police bond after issuing a public apology for defamatory remarks he made against former Minister for Water, Ronald Kibuule, in a viral video. Nyanzi, who was arrested earlier this week, expressed deep remorse for his false statements and offered to meet Kibuule in person to apologize.

The controversy erupted after Nyanzi, via his TikTok account, accused Kibuule of land grabbing and claimed that villagers had cursed the former minister, leading to the tragic drowning of his children and his loss of a parliamentary seat. Nyanzi later admitted that the allegations were baseless.

In a statement shared 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 pledged to exercise more responsibility in his use of social media.

Harriet Nankabirwa, a senior National Resistance Movement (NRM) official, played a key role in securing Nyanzi’s release on bond and has been mediating between Nyanzi and Kibuule. She disclosed that Nyanzi made the offending video while under the influence of alcohol, and Kibuule is willing to forgive him if he takes full responsibility for his actions.

Efforts to reach Kibuule for comment have been unsuccessful, but the incident highlights the potential consequences of social media misuse in Uganda.

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