By James Kamana
KAMPALA-Former Owino Market leader and political activist Susan Kushaba has found herself behind prison walls following months of public confrontations with senior Kampala government officials.
Kushaba was remanded to Luzira Prison on Thursday after appearing before Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court, where she denied three criminal charges arising from statements made on social media.
The former Kampala Central parliamentary candidate faces three counts of sending false distress signals under Section 82 of the Uganda Communications Act.
Her remand represents a dramatic turn for a political figure whose public commentary has frequently involved sharp criticism of government officials, particularly Kampala Minister Minsa Kabanda and State Minister Kabuye Kyofatogabye.
Social Media Confrontations Reach the Courtroom
According to prosecutors Allan Macunguzi and Grace Amy, Kushaba made several statements through a TikTok account known as The Investigator between January and October 2026.
The prosecution alleges that Kushaba accused Minister Kabanda of fraud and land grabbing.
She also reportedly described State Minister Kyofatogabye as a fraudster and accused him of embezzling money collected from boda boda riders and taxi operators.
Another accusation concerned Muzamiru Katumba Mirundi, whom Kushaba allegedly linked to the grabbing of land belonging to Kamwokya KCCA Primary School.
The accusations have not been established as true, and Kushaba has pleaded not guilty to the charges arising from the communications.
Political Rivalry Takes a Legal Turn
Kushaba’s disputes with Minister Kabanda date back to disagreements surrounding the management of St Balikuddembe Market, popularly known as Owino Market.
The rivalry later extended into parliamentary politics when the two women contested the Kampala Central seat in January 2026.
Kabanda won the election on the National Resistance Movement ticket, while Kushaba failed to secure parliamentary representation.
Despite the electoral setback, Kushaba remained active in public political discussions, frequently challenging Kampala’s political leadership.
Her confrontational approach attracted attention, but the criminal case now places her statements under a different form of scrutiny.
Bail Dispute Leaves Kushaba in Custody
During Thursday’s proceedings, Kushaba’s lawyers sought her release on bail.
However, prosecutors requested additional time to verify documentation presented by her proposed sureties.
The court declined to grant immediate release and ordered her remand to Luzira Prison pending further proceedings.
Her bail application is expected to be considered on November 17, 2026.
The remand is not a conviction, and the prosecution must still prove the charges.
From TikTok Debates to a Criminal Trial
Kushaba’s case highlights the legal risks associated with publishing serious accusations against identifiable individuals on digital platforms.
While political criticism remains an important element of public debate, allegations involving fraud, corruption and land grabbing can have significant consequences for those accused.
The central question is whether Kushaba’s statements satisfy the legal requirements of the offences brought against her.
For now, the outspoken former market leader faces an uncertain legal battle as she awaits her next court appearance.
The same social media statements that placed Kushaba at the centre of Kampala’s political controversies are now the subject of criminal proceedings that have resulted in her remand to Luzira Prison.
