In a dramatic turn of events, former Rubaga Division Deputy Resident City Commissioner (DRCC) Herbert Anderson Burora has been remanded to Luzira Prison on charges of hate speech and malicious information. Burora’s troubles began in March 2024 when he started posting information condemning corruption in Parliament, particularly targeting Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Anita Annet Among.
As a result, he was suspended from office on March 14th, 2024, by Hajji Yunus Kakande the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the President to pave way for investigations. However, Burora chose to resign on March 18th, 2024, citing the need to protect his conscience.
On Wednesday, Burora was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi at the Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court. He denied the two charges read to him in a packed courtroom.
The prosecution, led by State Attorneys Richard Birivumbuka, Joan Keko, and Ivan Kyazze, alleged that between March and June 2024, Burora shared information likely to ridicule, degrade, or demean and promote hostility against Speaker Among using a computer via his handle “Harder HB”.
Burora’s legal team, consisting of seven lawyers, including Phillip Munaabi, David Kamukama, and Benjamin Katana, argued that the charge sheet was defective and failed to specify what hate speech he had allegedly uttered. They also claimed that nothing malicious was indicated. However, Chief Magistrate Kayizzi ruled that the issues with the charge sheet needed to be resolved before the matter could proceed. He remanded Burora until July 9th, 2024.
As Burora was led away to prison, his legal team vowed to fight on, insisting that their client was innocent and had only exercised his right to free speech. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for freedom of expression in Uganda.
