Man arrested for circulating private video of TikToker Milk Bae

Police at Kampala Central Police Station (CPS) have arrested a man in connection with the circulation of a nude video that has been making rounds on social media. The Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson, Patrick Onyango, identified the suspect as Denis Nsubuga.

Denis Nsubuga allegedly circulated an old nude video of an unidentified person, claiming it was of Doreen Nalunga, also known as Milk Bae. The video, which quickly went viral, featured Nalunga’s picture attached, causing widespread misidentification.

“Ms. Nalunga reported the case to CPS Kampala, who immediately began investigating the matter,” said Onyango. He confirmed that Nsubuga was traced and arrested and is currently detained at CPS Kampala. Police have recorded statements from the complainant and relevant witnesses.

Witnesses have confirmed to police that the videos circulated by Nsubuga are not of Nalunga but of another, as yet unidentified, individual.

Nsubuga will be charged under the Computer Misuse (Amendment) Act, 2022, which criminalizes unauthorized access and sharing of data. Section 23(A) of the Act creates the offense of “hate speech,” which includes the writing, sending, or sharing of any information through a computer that is likely to ridicule, degrade, or demean another person or group. If convicted, Nsubuga faces seven years imprisonment or a fine of UGX 10 million.

The law also stipulates that unauthorized voice or video recording of an individual can attract a 10-year sentence or a UGX 15 million fine. Additionally, the misuse of social media by publishing, distributing, or sharing prohibited information, or using a false identity, is also criminalized.

Onyango urged the public to exercise caution regarding the information they post on social media, stressing the importance of verifying information before sharing. “The videos that are currently circulating are NOT of Milk Bae. We want to appeal to members of the public to be careful about what they post on social media and to cross-check any information before posting; otherwise, the law will catch up with you,” he said.

Uganda has seen several incidents in recent years involving the unauthorized public distribution of female celebrities’ sexual images or videos without their consent. Notable victims include Martha Kay, Judith Heard, and Desire Luzinda, among others.