By The case against former Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Herbert Anderson Burora, who is accused of spreading hate speech and malicious information against Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, has been fixed for hearing on May 7, 2025 at Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court.
Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi set the date after Burora informed the court that negotiations with Ms. Among had failed. The court had previously advised both parties to explore an amicable resolution. However, Burora told the presiding magistrate, “I did my part; the court can fix a hearing date for the matter.” This prompted Magistrate Kayizzi to adjourn the case for a full hearing next month.
Burora is facing six counts of hate speech and spreading malicious information about Speaker Among through social media. Prosecutors allege that between March and June 2024, Burora used his X (formerly Twitter) account, to publish content portraying Among as a torturer, murderer, kidnapper, and corrupt individual.
According to the state, these accusations were intended to ridicule, degrade, demean, and promote hostility against the Speaker. However, Burora has denied all charges, insisting that his statements were based on facts and meant for accountability, not defamation.
With the failed negotiations, the case is now set for a full trial on May 7, 2025, where the prosecution is expected to present evidence linking Burora to the alleged offenses.
Burora is not the first person to face legal action for hate speech against Speaker Among. In 2024 Tiktoker Ibrahim Musana, known as Pressure 24/7, was remanded for promoting hate speech against Speaker Among, President Museveni, and the Kabaka of Buganda before securing his release.
Burora’s case is not the first of its kind in Uganda. In recent years, several individuals, particularly journalists, activists, and opposition figures, have faced similar charges under Uganda’s Computer Misuse Act.
Stella Nyanzi Case (2017-2020): Dr. Stella Nyanzi, a prominent activist and former Makerere University lecturer, was jailed for offensive communication after criticizing President Yoweri Museveni on Facebook. She was convicted but later released on appeal.
Norman Tumuhimbise & The Alternative Movement (2022): Journalists Norman Tumuhimbise and his colleagues were arrested and charged with offensive communication after planning to release a book critical of the government.
Joseph Kabuleta (2019): The journalist and politician was arrested for allegedly making offensive remarks about the President, his son and CDF Gen Muhoozi Keinerugaba.
In many of these cases, critics argue that the Computer Misuse Act is being weaponized to silence dissent and suppress freedom of expression, while government officials insist it is necessary to curb online abuse and misinformation.
