A controversial TikTok account operating under the name Mbarara HIV has triggered panic and outrage in Mbarara City after publishing photos and videos of individuals it claims are HIV-positive—without their consent.
The account has targeted celebrities, DJs, MCs, artists and socialites, drawing sharp criticism for fuelling stigma, violating privacy, and potentially breaking several Ugandan laws.
The account, whose creator remains unknown, claims its purpose is to “expose each and every person spreading HIV in Mbarara City.”
While some users appear to cheer it on in the comments, others have expressed horror at what they call digital witch-hunting.
Several victims have come forward describing emotional trauma, public shaming and damage to their careers. One individual, who requested anonymity, said the rumours forced them to get tested and disclose their status under pressure.
“I had to test because the calls were too many—even from my parents,” they said.
Amon, also featured on the page, said his professional life has been deeply affected.
“This man is affecting us to the extent that my bosses called me and asked, ‘Amon, is it true? Are you HIV-positive?’” he told this publication.
Some of those accused have publicly declared negative test results after visiting the AIDS Information Centre.
However, there are reports that one person attempted suicide and remains hospitalised. Their identity has not been made public.
Mbarara City Health Officer Keiruky Longino condemned the account’s actions, warning that the region still battles a high HIV prevalence rate, especially among young people.
“We are still seeing new infections and we continue to urge the public to test and use condoms. But exposing people’s status like this only increases stigma and discourages openness,” he said.
Legal experts are also raising the alarm. Arnold Mugisha Musinguzi said the account’s creators risk lawsuits and criminal charges.
“You don’t know the repercussions. People will sue you. You are going to lose all those cases and face serious compensation claims,” he warned.
Joshua Tumukunde, a legal advocate, pointed to clear legal provisions.
“Section 25 of the Computer Misuse Act criminalises disclosure of personal health information using electronic platforms if it disturbs someone’s peace or privacy. This is punishable by imprisonment.”
He also cited Article 27 of the Constitution, which protects the right to privacy, and Section 42 of the HIV and AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 2015, which states that disclosing someone’s HIV status without their consent is a criminal offence punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of 42 currency points.
“This is not just morally wrong—it’s illegal,” Tumukunde said.
The backlash against Mbarara HIV comes amid a troubling trend.
Similar TikTok accounts—kampalahiv and kasese.hiv—have recently appeared, fuelling concern about rising cases of online shaming targeting individuals based on their perceived health status.
It remains unclear who operates the account, which continues to upload anonymously.
Despite numerous reports, TikTok has not yet taken the page down—fueling criticism of the platform's failure to moderate harmful content.
Globally, TikTok has long faced scrutiny for hosting controversial and sometimes dangerous content.
In India, the app was banned in 2020 partly due to concerns about misinformation and cyberbullying. In the United States, regulators have investigated its handling of user data and failure to control harmful trends, including challenges that led to injuries and deaths.
In countries like Kenya and Nigeria, authorities have debated tightening regulation after cases of revenge porn, defamation, and fake news spread widely on the platform.
While TikTok provides a space for creativity and activism, critics argue it has also become a haven for unregulated, anonymous abuse.
The Mbarara case now joins a growing list of incidents highlighting the urgent need for platform accountability—and for Ugandan authorities to step in before more harm is done.
Lawyers and health officials are now calling for immediate action to shut down the account, prosecute the creators, and uphold the dignity and rights of those affected.