Former Miss Uganda Hannah Karema has issued a strong warning against impersonation and online misinformation after false allegations linking her to an alleged human trafficking operation began circulating on social media.
The claims emerged following an interview in which a woman accused Karema of allegedly leading a ring that trafficks young girls out of the country. The woman further claimed to possess evidence, including a phone contact allegedly registered under Karema’s name and bearing her profile picture, which she said directly linked the former beauty queen to the illegal operation.
Karema has since come out to firmly deny the allegations, describing them as false, baseless and deeply hurtful
In a detailed public statement, the former Miss Uganda said the claims do not reflect her character, values or the work she carried out during her reign as Miss Uganda 2023/2024.
“I categorically and unequivocally deny all the claims being made against me. They are completely false, baseless and deeply hurtful,” Karema said, adding that the accusations have caused her significant distress.
She revealed that the matter is already being handled through proper legal channels and confirmed that she is working closely with her legal team to establish the truth. Karema also warned that she reserves the right to take legal action against individuals involved in spreading defamatory information or impersonating her online.
Despite the controversy, Karema said she remains committed to transparency and is open to addressing the allegations on a credible public platform where facts, not rumours, can be discussed honestly and fairly.
She also thanked supporters who have reached out with messages of encouragement and solidarity, saying their belief in her has helped her remain focused and grounded.
“To everyone who has reached out with messages of support, love and encouragement, thank you. Your belief in me means more than words can express. I remain committed to walking this journey with integrity,” she said.
The Miss Uganda Foundation has also released an official statement distancing itself from the allegations and defending Karema.
The foundation described the claims as entirely false, defamatory and without any factual foundation, saying they appear to be a deliberate attempt to tarnish Karema’s reputation and undermine the integrity of the Miss Uganda pageant as an institution.
“The Miss Uganda Foundation treats this matter with the utmost seriousness,” the statement reads, adding that the issues raised are under official review and that Karema is fully cooperating with her legal advisers.
The foundation further noted that it reserves the right to pursue all available legal remedies against individuals or entities responsible for publishing or spreading defamatory content, including claims of libel and slander.
It also welcomed any credible and responsible platform for an open and factual discussion of the allegations, expressing confidence that due process will prevail.
Hannah Karema was crowned Miss Uganda in 2023 and has since been involved in advocacy and public engagement initiatives under the Miss Uganda Foundation. Her case highlights growing concerns around impersonation, online misinformation and reputational harm faced by public figures in the digital age.
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