LGBTQ : Ugandan Singer Azawi Calls for Death Penalty for TikTok Personality Ken Mukalakasa

As of late March 2026, Uganda’s Minister of State for Youth and Children Affairs, Dr. Balaam Barugahara, is leading an investigation into TikToker Ken Mukalakasa following a public outcry over a viral video.

Ken Mukalakasa is under investigation for a video deemed immoral and for allegedly abusing a minor at a house party. The allegations surfaced after videos began circulating widely on social media, triggering public concern and calls for authorities to take action.

Minister Balaam confirmed that Ken Mukalakasa appeared at his office with his sister for counseling and was later handed over to the police’s crime intelligence unit. According to information released between March 25 and March 27, 2026, Ken Mukalakasa is currently in police custody for case management as investigations continue.

The minister stated that while he accepted an apology from the influencer, he does not have the authority to pardon him and has referred the matter to relevant authorities for legal handling.

Azawi Comments Spark Controversy

Meanwhile, Ugandan singer Azawi has sparked widespread controversy after comments she allegedly made regarding the viral case involving the popular TikTok personality known as Mr Ken. The story has been trending across social media platforms in Uganda, where videos reportedly circulated online allegedly showing the TikTok figure in a same-sex act, an offense that can carry severe penalties under Ugandan law if someone is arrested and convicted.

The controversy intensified further after a video circulating online allegedly showed Azawi making strong remarks about the situation involving Ken Mukalakasa, also known as Mr Ken. In the video, Azawi reportedly stated that if Mr Ken had been caught with a member of her family, she would have killed him that same day.

The remarks quickly spread across social media, intensifying the national debate and drawing both criticism and support from different sections of the public. Critics argued that public figures should avoid promoting violence, while supporters said her comments reflected the anger and frustration many Ugandans felt about the allegations and the viral video scandal.

The viral clip has since fueled even more discussions about the responsibility of celebrities when speaking on sensitive legal and social issues, especially on platforms where their words can influence large audiences.

The incident gained massive attention on TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook, where many users debated both the legality and the human rights implications of the situation. During the online discussions, Azawi reportedly suggested that letting Ken go without strict punishment would send what she described as a “wrong message” to the LGBTQ community. The statement triggered backlash from human rights activists and some members of the public, while others supported her stance.

Uganda’s Anti-LGBTQ Law

In 2023, Uganda passed the controversial Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, one of the strictest anti-LGBTQ laws in the world. The law includes harsh penalties, including life imprisonment for same-sex relations and the death penalty in what the law describes as “aggravated homosexuality.” Since the law was passed, reports from human rights organizations indicate that many people have been arrested, investigated, or fled the country due to fear of prosecution under the new legislation.

The comments attributed to Azawi have divided public opinion. Some Ugandans on social media agreed with the singer, saying the law should be enforced strictly, while others criticized the comments, arguing that public figures should not call for extreme punishments and should instead promote dialogue and understanding.

The situation continues to fuel debate in Uganda about morality, human rights, freedom of expression, and the role of celebrities in influencing public opinion. As the story continues to trend online, it highlights the deep divisions within society over LGBTQ rights and the enforcement of the country’s laws.

Authorities had not released a full official statement about the viral videos or any formal charges at the time of publication, but the debate sparked by Azawi’s remarks continues to dominate social media discussions.