The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has filed six additional charges against Herbert Anderson Burora, the former Rubaga Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC). This brings the total charges to eight, including the initial accusations of hate speech and malicious information.
On Friday, the prosecution added three charges to each of the initial counts. Burora’s legal team had previously contested the legality of the charge sheet, arguing that it was defective as it did not specify the exact words allegedly used to defame Parliament Speaker Anita Among.
However, Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayiizi overruled these objections, asserting that the charge sheet complied with Sections 85 and 88 of the Magistrate’s Court Act (MCA). He ordered the state to amend the charge sheet to include the specific words constituting hate speech and malicious information.
Kayiizi criticized Burora’s lawyers for employing what he described as “a wrong strategy,” which he said contributed to Burora’s prolonged detention.
According to the amended charge sheet presented on Friday, the prosecution claims that between March and June 2024, Burora used a computer to post on his X handle “@HarderHB” accusations that Among is a torturer, kidnapper, murderer, and corrupt. The prosecution argues that this information was likely to ridicule, degrade, demean, and promote hostility against the Speaker.
Burora denied all eight charges against him. Through his lawyers, he applied for bail, arguing that he is presumed innocent until proven guilty, has substantial sureties, a fixed place of residence, and that the charges against him are bailable.
Burora also cited the potential for delays in the proceedings, as the state indicated that investigations are still incomplete.
Prosecutor Richard Birivubuka requested two weeks to verify documents presented by the sureties, including Burora’s marriage certificate, company documents, and local council letters. He explained that he needed the time due to his busy schedule, which includes appearing before a panel of justices in the International Crimes Division of the High Court next week.
However, Magistrate Kayiizi denied the two-week request, following a compelling argument by defense lawyer Bernard Oundo, who asserted that the state’s schedule should not limit Burora’s right to bail.
“Prosecution had asked for 14 days, but I will give them up to July 16 when the case will come back for the state’s response to the bail application and the ruling will also be delivered,” Kayiizi stated before further remanding Burora.
