Jinjo Nassif, a popular TikToker, has been arrested for allegedly spreading false news about the death of Hon. Yusuf Nsibambi, the Member of Parliament for Mawokota South, sparking concerns over misinformation on social media.
Authorities say Nassif received Shs 100,000 from political opponents of Nsibambi to post the false report, an attempt to tarnish the MP’s reputation during a politically sensitive period. Upon learning of the false information, Nsibambi reported the matter to police, leading to Nassif’s arrest under the Computer Misuse Act, which addresses online crimes, including defamation and spreading false information.
During questioning, Nassif admitted to the offense, acknowledging that he had been paid to post the fake news deliberately. He is currently held at the Central Police Station in Kampala as investigations continue. Police spokesperson P. Onyango warned the public to use social media responsibly and stressed that spreading misinformation or accepting money to damage someone’s reputation online is a criminal offense.
This incident underscores the growing threat of social media manipulation during political campaigns. False reports can spread quickly, creating confusion, fear, and tension. Authorities say Nassif’s arrest sends a clear message that online defamation and political propaganda will not be tolerated. Citizens are urged to verify information before sharing it online to avoid being misled or manipulated.
