Brig. Gen. Felix Busizoori, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division, has warned against individuals spreading false information on social media, describing them as “negative elements” seeking to undermine the government.
Speaking during a press conference held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at the 4th Division Headquarters in Gulu City, Busizoori emphasised that those responsible will be identified, arrested, and prosecuted.
The warning follows widespread rumours in northern Uganda, particularly in districts near Karuma Bridge, alleging that groups have been hired to sacrifice “400 heads” ahead of the bridge’s reopening.
The claims have sparked fear among locals, disrupting daily activities.
“We are doing everything it takes to identify the people spreading harmful propaganda so they can be apprehended and charged in courts of law. Such allegations are 100 percent false and cannot happen in Uganda,” Busizoori said, assuring the public that the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), in collaboration with other security agencies, are firmly in control of public safety.
Busizoori noted that the disinformation is part of a wider smear campaign aimed at discrediting the government during the political campaign season.
He cautioned that such actions not only create fear but also harm livelihoods.
“As we speak, people are afraid to go to their gardens, worried about encountering these alleged criminals. Such baseless rumours are hurting our communities and making people poorer,” he added.
Samuel Asiimwe, the Regional Police Commander for Aswa West, called on those propagating falsehoods to desist, urging the public to rely on verified information.
“We are facing challenges with some individuals misusing smartphones to spread false images and stories. They download pictures from unrelated incidents and circulate them, creating panic,” he said.
He cited a recent incident involving the murder of a six-year-old boy in Amuru district. However, he clarified that it was an isolated criminal act unrelated to the rumours.
“If this was about sacrifices, they would have taken the head, but this is clearly a case of criminality.”
For over a month, the rumours about sacrifices at Karuma Bridge have disrupted the lives of farmers, students, businesspeople, and travellers.
Photos and stories from unrelated incidents in West Africa have been manipulated and shared online, exacerbating the fear.
Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and vigilant, emphasising the importance of verifying information before sharing it.
“Security agencies continue to monitor the situation and have promised swift action against those spreading disinformation,” Asiimwe said.
They reiterated their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all Ugandans as the country moves into the political campaign period.
