Deputy Inspector General of Government (IGG) Ann T. Muhairwe on Thursday secured a legal victory at the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court after TikTok commentator Dean Lubowa Saava admitted to defaming her in a series of online videos.
For months, Saava used his social media platforms to accuse Muhairwe of corruption and abuse of office, claims he said were backed by “irrefutable evidence.” The videos widely circulated online and portrayed the Deputy IGG as unfit for reappointment to her office.
However, when the matter reached court, Saava failed to present any credible evidence to support the allegations.
Muhairwe subsequently filed a criminal defamation case against him. During the court proceedings, Saava admitted wrongdoing and pleaded guilty. According to prosecutors from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Saava expressed regret and apologised for the accusations he had made against Muhairwe.
Saava also told the court that he had been influenced by individuals who wanted to damage Muhairwe’s reputation ahead of the anticipated renewal of leadership at the Inspectorate of Government.
The contracts of Muhairwe, fellow Deputy IGG Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria and then IGG Beti Kamya were due to expire in September, making them eligible for reappointment.
Court records indicate that Saava spent more than 100 days on remand at Luzira Prison before the case was concluded.
Following his guilty plea, the court convicted Saava. Muhairwe, however, chose to forgive him, citing compassion for his family who had endured hardship during his detention.
As part of the resolution, Saava agreed to delete the defamatory videos from his social media platforms and issue a public apology to Muhairwe. He also pledged to practice responsible journalism and avoid publishing unverified allegations in the future.
Speaking to journalists after the court session, Muhairwe said her decision to forgive Saava was motivated by a desire to promote reconciliation and responsible public discourse.
VERBATTIM:
The accused decided to plead guilty, admitting that the statements made against me were not only false but were made with malicious intent, designed to cause unjust harm to my character and reputation. This is a powerful affirmation that the truth, no matter how fiercely it is attacked, will eventually come to light.
What is the saddest part is to get to know those who were paying for the defamation.
The legal process has run its course, and the truth has been validated by a court of law. It has been a taxing ordeal, but justice has prevailed.
I feel a deep sense of responsibility to the citizens to set the record straight.
I felt the weight of being a public servant whose integrity was being publicly shredded by falsehoods. It would have been easier to stay silent, to hope the storm would pass. But silence in the face of defamation is not dignity; it is a disservice to the nation.
To my colleagues in government, to public servants at every level who are doing their work with honour and integrity: do not shy away from defending yourselves.
There is a mistaken belief that by virtue of holding public office, we must simply absorb any and all attacks on our person. Some say we should have “thick skin” or that “the noise comes with the territory.” I am here to tell you that is a dangerous fallacy.
Defending yourself against defamation is not an abuse of office. It is not an attempt to silence criticism. It is an assertion of your fundamental human right to a reputation, a right that does not disappear the moment you take an oath of office. When you allow lies to be spread about you without challenge, you do not protect the government—you undermine the very institutions you serve.
To those who are being targeted by falsehoods designed to break your spirit and discredit your work, I say this: stand your ground. Have faith in the legal system. Gather your evidence, and fight back. Your silence emboldens those who seek to destroy you and weakens the public’s trust in the offices we hold.
If we allow dishonesty to become the currency of public discourse, we all lose.
My focus now returns fully to the work of the Inspectorate of Government. The fight against corruption and for accountability continues, and I am more committed to it now more than ever. Thank you.
