The High Court in Kampala has ordered journalist and online broadcaster Dean Lubowa Saava to pay Shs 100 million in damages for defaming Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, the Deputy Inspector General of Government (IGG).
In a ruling delivered by Justice Joyce Kavum, the court found Saava liable for publishing and circulating false corruption allegations against the Deputy IGG through his social media platforms.
According to court records, Saava posted a series of videos and statements on his TV10 GANO MAZIMA TikTok page around July 2025, accusing Muhairwe of receiving bribes, engaging in corruption, and being unfit to hold public office.
The court determined that the allegations were defamatory and lacked factual basis.
The judgment noted that Saava failed to file a defence or appear before the court despite being formally served with court documents in August 2025. As a result, the case proceeded ex parte, meaning it was heard and determined in his absence.
Beyond the Shs 100 million compensation award, the court issued a permanent injunction restraining Saava from making any further defamatory statements against the Deputy IGG.
The court also directed him to publish a public apology on his TikTok platform, where the defamatory content was originally shared.
The ruling serves as a reminder of the legal consequences of publishing unverified allegations that damage an individual’s reputation.
