KAMPALA, November 5, 2026 — Former Owino Market leader Susan Kushaba has been remanded to Luzira Prison following her appearance at Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court over statements allegedly made through TikTok.
Kushaba denied three counts of sending false distress signals. Her lawyers sought bail, but the court deferred consideration of her application to November 17, 2026, allowing prosecutors time to verify supporting documents. www.monitor.co.ug
The remand order means she will remain in custody pending the next hearing. It does not amount to a conviction, and the charges against her remain unproven.
Why Kushaba Was Remanded to Luzira
The immediate issue before the court was the prosecution’s request for more time to examine documents presented by Kushaba and her proposed sureties.
Her defence team, led by Robert Bautu, opposed the delay. The lawyers argued that the paperwork had already been submitted through the Electronic Court Case Management Information System and included details that could assist verification.
Bautu asked the court to allow interim release while prosecutors completed their checks.
The court declined that request, finding that the prosecution should have a reasonable opportunity to review the documents and respond to the bail application. It then ordered Kushaba’s remand to Luzira until November 17. nilepost.co.ug
Charges Concern Allegations About Kampala Officials
Prosecutors say the disputed communications were made between January and October 2026 during appearances on a TikTok account known as The Investigator.
The three counts were brought under Section 82 of the Uganda Communications Act.
According to the prosecution, the statements included accusations of fraud and land grabbing against Kampala Minister Minsa Kabanda. Another count concerns allegations that State Minister Kabuye Kyofatogabye misappropriated money collected from boda boda riders and taxi operators.
The third relates to statements concerning Muzamiru Katumba Mirundi and land belonging to Kamwokya KCCA Primary School.
Kushaba pleaded not guilty to every count. The prosecution’s description of the statements does not establish that the people mentioned committed the alleged wrongdoing, nor does it establish criminal liability on Kushaba’s part. nilepost.co.ug
Owino Market Disputes Preceded Political Rivalry
Before her parliamentary ambitions, Kushaba was known for her leadership role at St Balikuddembe Market, widely referred to as Owino Market.
Disagreements over the market’s management contributed to tensions between her and Kabanda. The rivalry later extended to the Kampala Central parliamentary contest in January 2026.
Kabanda won the seat on the National Resistance Movement ticket. Kushaba continued participating in political discussions after her unsuccessful campaign, including criticism of Kampala’s leadership.
That history forms part of the background to the case. The court must nevertheless assess the specific charges and evidence independently of the political disagreements.
Bail Application Returns to Court on November 17
The next scheduled hearing will provide an opportunity for the prosecution to respond to Kushaba’s application for release after reviewing the surety documents.
Bail proceedings will address whether she can be released while the criminal case continues. They will not, by themselves, determine whether she is guilty of the offences alleged.
For now, Susan Kushaba remains remanded to Luzira Prison, having denied all three charges and awaiting the November 17 hearing at Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court.
