Luwero: Popular Buganda history storyteller and social media personality Magala Balikyewunya—widely known as Mzee Magala—has been hit by a devastating double blow: he has been remanded to prison on attempted murder charges, just days before a suspect fire destroyed his family home.
Mzee Magala was remanded to Butuntumula Government Prison on Thursday, November 5, 2026, and is due back in court on November 12 for case mention. Savannah Regional Police confirmed the remand but have not disclosed details regarding the alleged victim or the exact circumstances. Unverified online reports suggest the charge stems from a land dispute involving a shooting.
While Magala was behind bars, tragedy struck his residence in Bunyaka Village, Luwero Town Council, in the early hours of Sunday, November 8 (around 3:00 a.m.). His wife and children escaped unharmed, but attackers reportedly used a ladder to scale the roof, doused the structure with petrol, and set it ablaze. The roof collapsed, destroying most of their household belongings. The Savannah Regional Fire Brigade arrived at the scene after extensive damage had already been done.
Savannah Regional Police spokesperson ASP Sam Twiineamazima confirmed that preliminary investigations point to arson. Investigators are currently looking into whether the fire is linked to Magala’s criminal case. No arrests related to the blaze have been made yet.
Backlash Over NUP Criticism
The twin misfortunes follow weeks of intense backlash against Magala from National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters after he publicly criticized party leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine).
In October 2026, Magala claimed that a Bobi Wine presidency would be worse than President Yoweri Museveni’s administration. The remarks triggered severe online harassment, which escalated into a bitter personal feud with Kampala DJ and TikToker Magical Kay. Reports indicate Magala demanded an apology and allegedly threatened to use deadly herbs and supernatural means against Kay if he failed to comply.
Media outlets reported that the political disagreement rapidly turned personal, with online users resurfacing past business disputes involving Magala in Kasana Town. Following news of his remand and the house fire, several NUP loyalists expressed satisfaction online. However, police emphasize that there is currently no evidence linking the political friction to the suspected arson attack.
Magala first gained national prominence through his viral TikTok and YouTube videos discussing Buganda history, culture, and his headline-grabbing decision to build his own grave in advance—a story covered by Watchdog Uganda in 2024. Earlier this year, he was officially commended by Buganda Kingdom leadership for his cultural storytelling.
Police investigations into both the attempted murder charge and the home attack remain active.
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