A Law Development Centre Magistrate’s Court has dismissed all charges against Alternative Digital journalist Arnold Anthony Mukose, who had been accused of falsely announcing the death of First Lady Janet Kataaha Museveni.
Grade One Magistrate Ivan Maloba dismissed the case after the prosecution failed to present witnesses, provide the police file and comply with an earlier order to amend the charge sheet.
Mukose had faced charges related to allegedly publishing false information and sending false distress signals concerning the First Lady, offences the prosecution linked to the Uganda Communications Act and electronic communications regulations.
The case stalled after the defence raised concerns over the charge sheet, including questions about the court’s jurisdiction. The prosecution was ordered to make changes before the hearing could continue.
However, when the matter returned to court, State prosecutor Rachael Namutebi told the magistrate that she did not have the amended charge sheet or police file.
Mukose’s lawyer, Morgan Muhindo, asked the court to dismiss the case, arguing that the State had failed to show readiness to proceed despite having earlier claimed investigations were complete.
The magistrate agreed and dismissed the charges for want of prosecution, effectively ending the case against the journalist.
Mukose had spent time on remand before being granted bail of Shs5 million in May 2026. He had denied all allegations against him.
The charges followed reports published on the Alternative Digital Channel between January and March 2026, which the prosecution alleged falsely claimed that Janet Museveni had died.
The case attracted public attention due to the high-profile nature of the allegations involving the First Lady, who later appeared publicly during the consecration of her daughter, Patience Rwabwogo, as a bishop.
The court’s decision means Mukose is no longer facing the charges, after the State failed to produce evidence and witnesses to support the allegations.
