Former deputy RCC Burora remanded over spreading hate speech

Former Rubaga Division Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Herbert Anderson Burora has been remanded to Luzira Prison over charges of spreading malicious information.

On Wednesday, Burora was arraigned before Buganda Road Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayiizi, who read out hate speech and malicious information charges, contrary to the Computer Misuse Act.

The accused denied both charges.

The chief magistrate remanded Burora until July 9, citing need to resolve the issue of the charge sheet's legality before hearing the bail application.

This decision was prompted by the chief state attorney Richard Birivumbuka who sought more time to respond to submissions made by Burora's defense team, which contended that the charge sheet was defective.

The defense team, led by lawyer David Kamukama, argued that the charge sheet failed to specify how Burora demeaned Parliament Speaker Anita Annet Among, or provide evidence of the alleged offense.

"It is a contention that this charge sheet is defective; the particulars of the charge sheet must contain facts of the offenses to which the accused is charged with," Kamukama submitted.

"It shall be necessary to give the nature of the offense. In the circumstances, it is our prayer that you find this charge sheet defective, and the accused person set free from custody," he added.

Prosecution, led by Birivumbuka together with Joan Keko and Ivan Kyazze, states that Burora, between March and June 2024, in Kampala District or thereabout, while using a computer via the handle "Harder HB," shared information likely to ridicule, degrade, or demean and promote hostility against Among.

On the second count, prosecution alleges that  Burora shared malicious information relating to Among.

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