Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court has remanded controversial lawyer Hassan Male Mabirizi to Luzira Prison on charges of hate speech and malicious information.
Mabirizi was on Tuesday arraigned before Chief Magistrate Ritah Neumbe Kidasa, where the charges were read to him. The allegations relate to statements he allegedly made against Justice Musa Ssekaana and the newly appointed Chief Justice, Dr Flavian Zeija.
According to the prosecution, Mabirizi used his TikTok account, @MaleMabirizi, last month to publish statements describing Chief Justice Zeija as a “conman,” “fraudster,” and “corrupt,” and alleged that he sold property to bribe his way into appointment as Principal Judge. The state says the statements were made in various locations, including Kampala and Wakiso districts.
Prosecutors further allege that Mabirizi made similar statements against Justice Musa Ssekaana, describing him as a conman and fraudster—information the state contends is false and likely to ridicule, degrade, or demean the judicial officers.
“The accused sent or shared information relating to Hon. Justice Musa Ssekaana, a Justice of the Court of Appeal of Uganda, stating that he is a conman and fraudster, which information is false and likely to ridicule, degrade or demean the said justice,” reads part of the charge sheet.
The prosecution team, led by Chief State Attorney Joan Keko and Richard Birivumbuka, argued that the statements constituted hate speech and malicious information under the law.
Mabirizi initially declined to take plea but later pleaded not guilty after consulting his legal team led by Uganda Law Society Vice President Anthony Asiimwe.
Chief Magistrate Kidasa remanded Mabirizi to Luzira Prison until February 18.
This is not the first time Mabirizi has clashed with the Judiciary. He has previously been convicted and sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment for contempt of court.
