Police in Mbarara have in custody Derrick Tumuheirwe, the author of the infamous #Surelist that has been making rounds on social media naming and shaming women in Mbarara district who he claims easily sleep around for money or fun.
This week, Youth MP Hon. Mwiine Mpaka told parliament that the so called sure list was putting lives of girls in danger, as their private information including names and phone numbers were being shared with strangers, who are potential bad people that could harm them.
The speaker of parliament Rebecca Kadaga then directed the minister of Internal affairs to follow up and ensure that the persons behind it are arrested and punished.
Now, Samson Kasasira, the Rwizi Regional Police Spokesperson, says the suspect was picked up from his residency in Kakooba ward in Mbarara Municipality sometime this week and faces charges of offensive communication and cyber Harassment, which are outlawed in the Computer Misuse Act 2011.
Section 25 of the Computer Misuse Act, 2011 provides that “any person who willfully and repeatedly uses communication to disturb or attempts to disturb the peace, quiet or right of privacy of any person with no purpose of legitimate communication whether or not a conversation ensues commits a misdemeanor and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding twenty four currency points or imprisonment not exceeding one year or both”.
Kasasira adds that the suspect was reportedly compiling another list of people he claims lead reckless lives when he was picked up. Tumuheirwe is locked up at Mbarara Central Police station pending the conclusion of investigations.
One of the victims told police that the list has caused her and family members a lot of pain and triggered conflict in her marriage after receiving endless calls from her relatives and friends accusing her of being irresponsible.