Kampala, Uganda – Two popular Ugandan TikTokers, Shani Lips and Moody Face On, are now wanted by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) following the circulation of a leaked video that authorities say violates Uganda’s laws on same-sex conduct.
The video, which went viral online, allegedly shows the two women in an intimate setting, sparking strong reactions across the country.
The move to involve the CID was triggered by Minister Balaam Barugahara, Uganda’s State Minister for Youth and Children Affairs, who said he was deeply concerned about the content and the message it sends to young people.
Speaking during an interview on Radio 4, Minister Balaam expressed disappointment and ordered police to summon and investigate the two TikTokers.
“Parliament passed the Anti-Homosexuality Law. As the Minister for Youth, I will not sit back and watch young people promote immorality and hooliganism,” he said.
“Even if they are chasing likes and views, it must not be through acts that are illegal in this country.”
The minister made the statement after the radio host brought up the video during the live broadcast and mentioned that the TikTokers live in Makindye, a suburb of Kampala.
Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Act, passed in 2023, criminalizes same-sex acts and related behavior, including promoting or distributing content perceived to encourage homosexuality. The law has been heavily criticized by international human rights organizations but remains in force.
It is this law that Minister Balaam is using as the basis for calling for legal action against Shani Lips and Moody.
In a previous online statement, Shani Lips denied being a lesbian and accused her ex-boyfriend of leaking the video in an attempt to embarrass her. She also threatened to take legal action against him.
“This was a private matter. The video was leaked without my consent,” she said in a TikTok live session shortly after the video surfaced.
Her co-accused, Moody Face On, has not yet publicly responded.
The CID has not officially issued arrest warrants but is reportedly gathering information following the minister’s directive.
Police have urged the public to remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed.
Authorities say that if the video is found to violate the law, the duo may face charges of promoting prohibited behavior under the Anti-Homosexuality Act, which carries heavy penalties in Uganda.
The incident has sparked intense online debate, with some Ugandans calling for the TikTokers to be punished, while others argue that the focus should be on the person who illegally leaked private content without consent.
Some civil society groups have warned against a witch-hunt and called for respect for individual privacy and digital safety, especially for young people navigating life on social media platforms.
