Uganda-born US journalist remanded for recording police, UPDF brutality

The National Unity Platform (NUP) has condemned the arrest of Charles Muvawala, a Ugandan-born US citizen, who was violently arrested from Rubaga on Monday for recording security operatives beating up and tear-gassing supporters.

According to eyewitnesses, Muvawala was recording the incident when he was approached by security personnel, who assaulted him and took away his phone. He was subsequently charged with computer misuse and remanded to Luzira Prison until December 23, when his case will come up again.

According to the charge sheet, Muvawala recorded videos of security personnel and shared them with people who had not solicited them.

"Unsolicited information contrary to section 26B (1) (2) of theComputer Misuse Act Cap 96. Particulars of offence: Bukenya Charles on December 15, 2025, at Kabusu, Rubaga division in Kampala district, filmed, photographed, and recorded videos of the security personnel, to wit, police and UPDF army, and sent or shared with other persons unsolicited information through a computer to which a mobile phone was connected without authority."

NUP leadership has described the charges as "laughable, saying the regime is trying to criminalise the recording of police brutality.

"More reason why our people must use their cameras to record every incident because even these criminals understand how effective it is," a statement read.

The arrest comes amid growing international condemnation over police brutality in Uganda. Rights groups have accused the government of using excessive force to suppress opposition and dissent.

Muvawala's arrest has sparked outrage among opposition supporters, who see it as another example of the government's attempts to silence critics and clamp down on freedom of expression.

Background

In March 2025, Muvawala, who is also the Vice President of the Uganda North America Association (UNAA), was allegedly abducted by security operatives from Nakulabye, Kampala.

NUP deputy spokesperson, Waiswa Mufumbiro, at the time told this publication that Muvawala was 'abducted' while on his way to withdraw money from an ATM.

"In a distress message before his communication was cut off, he told friends that he was surrounded by armed men," Mr Mufumbiro said in March 2025.

Mr Mufumbiro, in an interview with the _Monitor,_ condemned the abduction, linking it to the increasing wave of abductions targeting opposition figures.

"We strongly condemn the brutal acts of abduction in Uganda... whatever we read in history is back. The insurgency of security in this 21st century in Uganda is the worst experience the world will never forget. We learned from history about the abductions; unfortunately, history has repeated itself."

Mufumbiro is also currently on remand on charges of illegal military drilling following his arrest for allegedly participating in a parade staged by NUP supporters as they marked the party's presidential candidate, Robert Kyagukanyi's 43rd birthday.

However, Mufumbiro denied the charges, insisting he was taking care of his wife, who was hospitalised at the time.