Deputy Kadhi Admits to TikTok Lies as Widow’s Family Seeks Justice

After a week on remand at Luzira Prison, Uthman Shaban Ngobi, Deputy District Kadhi of Luuka District, returned to court seeking forgiveness over defamatory remarks he made on TikTok.

Ngobi appeared before Buganda Road Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi on June 24, where he admitted his claims against the family of the late Ahmed Salimin were false and deeply regrettable.

“Your Worship, I deeply regret the false statements I made in those videos. I respectfully ask to apologise to the widow and orphans,” Ngobi stated during his court appearance.

Ngobi, aged 39, also a County Director at Albayan Charitable Organisation, faces two charges: malicious information and hate speech under the Computer Misuse Act, Cap. 96.

He pleaded not guilty but was granted cash bail of Shs2 million. Magistrate Kayizzi urged him to use the time before July 8 to reconcile with the affected family.

The court emphasized restorative justice, encouraging mediation over litigation. Should reconciliation efforts fail, the case will proceed to a full trial as per standard judicial procedure.

Reconciliation talks are currently being mediated by Uganda’s Mufti Sheikh Shaban Mubaje and senior religious leaders from Busoga region, aiming to resolve tensions stemming from Ngobi’s social media content.

Prosecutor Ivan Kyazze explained Ngobi and others used TikTok and Albayyan TV to defame Shifah Ahmed, alleging involvement in her father’s death and making false claims about her mother.

One video even accused the Salimin children of witchcraft, worsening public backlash and emotional harm. Investigations into Ahmed Salimin’s death continue at Jinja Central Police Station