Authorities have dropped hate speech and malicious communication charges against Herbert Anderson Burora, the former Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Rubaga, following a formal decision by the country’s top prosecutor.
Burora had faced six counts related to social media posts in which he accused the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among, of being involved in torture, murder, kidnapping, and corruption. The posts were published on platform X (formerly Twitter) under his handle @harderHB between March and June 2024.
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At a hearing on Wednesday at the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court, Chief State Attorney Joan Keko informed the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Justice Jane Frances Abodo, had issued a nolle prosequi—a legal notice to discontinue the case.
“The DPP, Justice Jane Frances Abodo, has withdrawn charges of hate speech and malicious information against the accused, Anderson Herbert Burora,” Ms Keko said, presenting the formal withdrawal dated 1 July.
Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi accepted the DPP’s request and ordered the release of Burora’s UGX 5 million cash bail.
The case took a further turn when the Speaker’s principal personal assistant, Rajab Kaaya Semalulu, submitted a sworn affidavit stating that Ms Among had chosen to forgive Burora and would not pursue the case further.
“I had instructions from the Rt Hon Anita Annet Among, the Speaker of Parliament, who had been offended by Mr Burora for spreading malicious information against her,” the statement read. “As a national leader who pursues peace and justice, she has decided to instruct me to act for her and have the case withdrawn… from the bottom of her heart.”
The prosecution had previously argued that Burora’s social media posts were intended to degrade or incite hostility against the Speaker, citing language they said could promote hate or public ridicule.
This case is one of several recent incidents in Uganda involving the legal limits of online speech and criticism of public officials.
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