Court dismisses city lawyer Mabirizi bail application over expired national IDs

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The Buganda Road Chief Magistrates' Court has dismissed the bail application of city lawyer Hassan Male Mabirizi on the grounds that his sureties did not present valid national identity cards as provided under the bail guidelines.

Chief Magistrate Ritah Neumbe Kidasa dismissed the bail application today, March 6, 2026 and consequently further remanded Mabirizi until March 20, when he is expected to reappear in court to know the status of investigations in his case.

Kidasa said Mabirizi himself only provided his National Identification Number (NIN) instead of a physical national identity card, while his sureties, including city lawyer Nasser Kibazo presented identity cards that expired in 2024.

“I hereby dismiss the application for non-compliance with the bail guideline since the national identity cards expired in 2024,” Kidasa ruled.

Mabirizi, 39, is battling charges of malicious information and hate speech contrary to section 28(1) and (2) and sections 26(1)(a) and (2) of the Computer Misuse Act.

The charges stem from a viral video via a TikTok account in his name in which Chief Justice Dr Flavian Zeija and Court of Appeal Judge Musa Ssekaana were described as conmen who are also allegedly corrupt.

Prosecution alleges that in January this year, at various places including Kampala and Wakiso district or thereabout, Mabirizi, using a computer via his TikTok account sent, shared or transmitted information relating to Chief Justice Zeija and Justice Ssekaana.

According to the charge sheet, Mabirizi is accused of referring to Chief Justice Zeija as a conman, fraudster and a corrupt man who allegedly sold off his property to pay a bribe for his appointment as a Principal Judge and a court file grabber whereas not.

Justice Zeija joined the Judiciary in 2016 following his appointment as a judge of the High Court by the President on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

Three years later, in December 2019, he was elevated to the position of Principal Judge.

In February last year, Zeija was appointed Deputy Chief Justice, a role he held until January 21, 2026, when he assumed office as Chief Justice, replacing Alfonse Owiny-Dollo, who hung up his robes on January 18 this year upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 70.

Mabirizi is also accused of referring to Justice Ssekaana as a conman and a fraudster whose statements the prosecution alleges are not only false but were intended to degrade them.