The Christmas season is traditionally a time for family, celebration, and reflection. However, for several well-known Ugandan social media personalities, politicians, and public figures, this year’s festivities will be spent behind the high walls of Luzira Prison.
From opposition politicians to controversial bloggers and socialites, here are some of the notable names expected to spend Christmas in custody:
1. Dr. Kizza Besigye
Veteran opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye will spend his second consecutive Christmas in prison following his arrest in November 2024.
Besigye was arrested in Nairobi on November 16, 2024, while attending an event organised by Kenyan politician Martha Karua. He was later transferred to Uganda, where he is currently on remand at Luzira Prison, facing trial before both the General Court Martial and the High Court.
The 68-year-old is charged with treason, a capital offence in Uganda.
2. Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya
Hajji Obeid Lutale, an aide to Dr. Besigye, was arrested alongside him in Nairobi and is also facing treason charges.
He remains on remand and will spend Christmas in prison for the second year in a row.
3. Bryan White
Kampala socialite Bryan Kirumira, popularly known as Bryan White, was remanded to Luzira Prison in November over charges linked to the death of 25-year-old Carol Nalubwama.
He is expected to reappear in court on December 18 for an update on investigations, but chances remain high that he will be remanded again—meaning Christmas behind bars.
4. Sipapa
Socialite Charles Olim, alias Sipapa, has been on remand since September 2022, when he was arrested over aggravated robbery charges.
This will mark his fourth consecutive Christmas spent in prison as his case continues to drag on.
5. Commanda Mudogo
Notorious ghetto figure and Alien Skin’s bodyguard, Commanda Mudogo, was arrested in October this year.
He faces multiple murder-related charges and remains on remand at Luzira Maximum Prison, where he will spend the festive season.
6. Nobert Events
Music promoter Norbert Twizire, widely known as Nobert Events, was remanded earlier this month following charges of defamation and allegedly making harmful statements about several musicians, including Jose Chameleone and Eddy Kenzo.
His case, which stems from a complaint filed by Jose Chameleone, returns to court on December 18, but his Christmas in prison remains highly likely.
7. Shalom Kaweesi
YouTuber and gossip monger Shalom Kaweesi was arrested earlier this week on charges of hate speech and cyber harassment.
He was remanded by the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court until December 30, placing him firmly on course to spend Christmas in jail.
8. Eddie Mutwe
Edward Sebuffu, popularly known as Eddie Mutwe, was arrested in May this year and charged with aggravated robbery.
He remains on remand at Luzira Prison.
9. Dean Lubowa Saava
Journalist Dean Lubowa Saava was remanded in October by the Standards, Utilities and Wildlife Court in Makindye.
He faces charges related to illegal broadcasting and defamation, after allegedly operating an unlicensed online TV station and defying regulatory directives.
He remains on remand and will spend Christmas in prison.
10. Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro
Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, the Deputy Spokesperson of the National Unity Platform (NUP), was arrested in September.
He is facing charges including unlawful drilling and conspiracy to commit a felony and remains on remand at Luzira Prison.
11. Bobi Giant
Calvin Tasi, popularly known as Bobi Giant and a bodyguard to Bobi Wine, was remanded after appearing in court following his alleged abduction in September.
He faces charges related to unlawful drilling and conspiracy to commit a felony and remains on remand.
As Christmas approaches, these cases continue to attract national attention, sparking debates around justice, prolonged remand, freedom of expression, and the criminal justice process in Uganda. For now, the festive season will be marked not by celebrations—but by prison walls for these high-profile figures.