Police in Uganda have arrested a 13-year-old boy in Lyantonde District over allegations of incitement to violence and promoting sectarianism through social media, raising fresh concerns over online conduct among minors.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Uganda Police Force said the suspect, identified as Twikirize Clever, also known as “Mad Hunter,” was apprehended following intelligence-led operations targeting his activities on TikTok.
According to police spokesperson Kasirye Twaha, preliminary investigations indicate that the minor had been sharing videos containing vulgar and offensive language.
Authorities described the content as inappropriate, particularly given the suspect’s age, and warned of its potential to fuel division and unrest.
“The Police in Lyantonde have arrested Twikirize Clever… on allegations of incitement to violence and promoting sectarianism through his TikTok account,” the statement read in part.
Police further disclosed that the teenager, a casual worker and resident of Kooki D Cell, had allegedly gone into hiding before officers tracked him to Kooki C Cell within the same district, where he was arrested.
He is currently being held in police custody as investigations continue, with authorities indicating that further action will depend on the outcome of the ongoing probe.
The arrest has sparked debate over the regulation of social media use among minors in Uganda, particularly on fast-growing platforms such as TikTok, which remain largely accessible to underage users despite content restrictions.
Child rights advocates have in the past called for a more rehabilitative approach when dealing with minors involved in online misconduct, arguing that punitive measures alone may not address underlying issues such as exposure, supervision, and digital literacy.
At the same time, security agencies have maintained that online platforms should not be used to spread hate speech or incite violence, regardless of the age of the user.
Police have urged the public, especially parents and guardians, to closely monitor children’s online activities to prevent misuse of digital platforms.