Kampala, (UG):- The former Rubaga Resident City Commissioner, RCC Herbet Anderson Burora has been further remanded to Luzira prison until Friday, July 12, 2024, when he will appear again in court for a ruling on his bail application.
Burora was last week charged and remanded over charges of hate speech and malicious misinformation against government officials including Speaker of Parliament Hon Anitah Among.
Today, Tuesday, July 09, he appeared before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate, Mr Ronald Kayiizi in an attempt to get released on bail but his application was unsuccessful.
Last week, Mr Kayizzi read out two charges to Burora who is accused of spreading malicious information contrary to the Computer Misuse Act, after the NRM critic posted through social media information pinning Speaker Among of corruption between March and June 2024.
“Mr Burora, between March and June 2024, in the areas of Kampala District or thereabout, while using a computer via the handle “@haderHB,” shared information likely to ridicule, degrade, or demean and promote hostility against the Speaker of Parliament,” the charge sheet presented by state prosecution led by Mr Birivubuka, Ms Joan Keko, and Ivan Kyazze read in part.
On the second count, the prosecution alleges that Mr Burora shared malicious information relating to the Speaker.
A team of seven lawyers representing Burora once again asked the court to dismiss the charges against their client because the charge sheet was defective.
The lawyers, Phillip Munaabi, David Kamukama, and Benjamin Katana argued that the charge sheet did not show what Burora said to constitute hate speech, and nothing malicious was indicated.
The defence team cited the Dr Stella Nyanzi case in which the prosecutors indicated that she used the word ‘buttocks’ and other vulgar words, which is not the case with Buroroa’s charge sheet.
Munaabi asked the court to free Burora until such a time when a proper charge sheet will be drafted by the prosecution.
The court heard today that the state prosecution was not through with the review of the application by Burora’s lawyers seeking his bail release and again asked for an adjournment which Magistrate Kayizzi heeded.
Burora, also former RCC Nakawa, was in mid-March suspended from office for allegedly continued violation of the Uganda Public Service standing orders 20212. He had attacked Parliament Speaker, Anita Among over, being corrupt and shielding corruption in Parliament inclusive.
In the same reign, Burora turned his guns to the Inspectorate of Government Betty Kamya, accusing her of failing to execute her mandate, calling her to immediately resign for failure to fight corruption.
Upon conviction, the offence against Burora warrants a fine not exceeding 750 currency points (Shs 15 million), the equivalent of imprisonment not exceeding seven years, or both.
Do you have a story or an opinion to share? Email us on: dailyexpressug@gmail.com Or follow the Daily Express on X Platform or WhatsApp for the latest updates.
