By Hannah Marion Namukasa
Herbert Anderson Burora, the former Rubaga Resident City Commissioner (RCC), has been further remanded to Luzira Prison until Friday, July 12, 2024, following an unsuccessful bail application hearing today at Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court.
Burora was arrested and charged last week with hate speech and spreading malicious misinformation against government officials, including Speaker of Parliament Hon. Anitah Among. The charges stemmed from social media posts allegedly made between March and June 2024, under the handle “@haderHB,” accusing the Speaker of corruption.
During today’s hearing before Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayiizi, Burora’s defense team, consisting of seven lawyers led by Phillip Munaabi, David Kamukama, and Benjamin Katana, argued vehemently for their client’s release. They contended that the charges against Burora were based on a defective charge sheet that failed to specify the alleged hate speech or malicious content.
“The charge sheet presented by state prosecution does not adequately detail what Mr. Burora said that constitutes hate speech or malicious intent,” Munaabi asserted in court, drawing comparisons to past cases where specific language was cited to substantiate charges.
The defense team referenced the case of Dr. Stella Nyanzi, where explicit language was pinpointed by prosecutors, contrasting it with Burora’s case where, they argued, no such explicit statements were cited.
“We urge the court to dismiss the charges against Burora until a proper and clear charge sheet is presented by the prosecution,” Munaabi appealed to the magistrate.
In response, the state prosecution, represented by Mr. Birivubuka, Ms. Joan Keko, and Ivan Kyazze, requested more time to review the bail application and address the defense’s arguments. Magistrate Kayiizi granted the prosecution’s request for an adjournment, postponing the ruling on Burora’s bail application until July 12, 2024.
Burora’s case has attracted attention due to its implications for freedom of expression and the use of social media in Uganda. Supporters of Burora have expressed concern over what they perceive as a crackdown on dissenting voices, while authorities maintain that the charges are necessary to uphold public order and prevent the spread of false information.
