Former Deputy RCC Burora, three NUP MPs granted bail

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court has granted bail of 5 million shillings to former Rubaga Division Resident Deputy City Commissioner Herbert Anderson Burora.

Burora on Thursday appeared before Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi, facing six charges of hate speech and spreading malicious communication. After a thorough review of the bail application, Kayizzi granted Burora cash bail of five million shillings, much to the relief of his supporters.

The prosecution alleges that between March and June 2024 in the areas of Kampala District or thereabout while using a computer via his X Handle Harder HB shared malicious information about the Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon Anita Annet Among showing that Among is a Torturer, murderer, and kidnapper, and corrupt.

According to the prosecution, the information is likely to ridicule, degrade, or demean and promote hostility against Among.

Burora has since denied the charges against him and applied for bail. Burora’s bail application was supported by two sureties:   About two weeks ago, Burora presented Yasin Katwere the Managing Director of Success Motors his Cousin Brother, and his wife Georgina Burora as some of his sureties.

The sureties were deemed substantial, and the court was satisfied that they would ensure Burora’s appearance in court for future proceedings.

The prosecution, led by Richard Birivumbuka, had opposed the bail application, citing concerns about Burora’s nomadic nature and lack of a fixed place of abode. However, the defense team, led by David Kamukama and Phillip Munaabi presented convincing evidence to counter these claims.

Chief Magistrate Kayizzi, in his ruling, stated that the sureties were sufficient and that Burora had complied with the bail guidelines. He set the cash bail at 5 million shillings, with each surety executing a non-cash bond of 50 million shillings.

Burora was ordered to deposit his passport in court and refrain from posting any misleading information on social media.

The case has been adjourned to August 21st, and when Burora is expected to appear before the court again. His supporters expressed joy and relief at the bail ruling.

Meanwhile, three National Unity Platform-NUP MPs who were remanded on Monday this week by the Law Development Centre Court have been granted bail on charges arising from their alleged involvement in staging an unlawful assembly at NUP offices on Monday this week.

These include Katikamu South MP Hassan Kirumira Bbale County, MP Charles Tebandeke and Mityana Municipality MP Francis Zaake who appears on a separate case file.

Zaake was granted a cash bail of 200,000 shillings while Kirumira and Tebandeke were each granted a cash bail of 100,000 shillings as well as their co-accused.

They were granted bail by LDC Court Grade one Magistrate Martins Kirya.

Others released on the same file are Shamim Nabakoza, a Cleaner from Mutungo Nakawa Division, Kasubi Parish Councilor, Ibra Ssemanda Wasswa,  Administrator Brian Mungu resident of Kansanga Zone Makindye Division, Emmanuel Mukisa a Driver resident of Western Zone Kitimbwa Zone in Kayunga District, Ben Mukasa Ntale a businessman from Kiganda zone in Kawempe and James Mubiru the Lubaga North Councillor.

It is alleged that Tebandeke and Kirumira together with six others assembled in a manner to carry out a common purpose and conducted themselves in a manner causing persons in the neighborhood to fear and to provoke others that there might be a breach of peace.

Zaake is accused of three traffic offenses including inconsiderate use of a motor vehicle, driving a motor vehicle without a valid license, and disobedience of lawful orders.

The prosecution alleges that on July 22nd, Zaake drove Motor vehicle Registration number UBD 184C Nissan Black in Color on the road carelessly by obstructing the road without due consideration for other road users. It is further alleged that Zaake didn’t have a valid driving license and that he refused to stop when signaled to do so by a Police officer in uniform.

The case was adjourned to August 26th.

****

URN