Why State is against city lawyer Male Mabirizi's bail

KAMPALA - The office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has objected to the release of city lawyer Hassan Male Mabirizi on bail pending the hearing of his case.

Chief state attorney Richard Birivumbuka, while responding to his bail application on February 27, 2026, described Mabirizi as a habitual offender who can interfere with prosecution witnesses once released on bail.

“Your worship, we invite this court not to grant bail to the applicant because he is a habitual offender who is capable of interfering with the witnesses,” Birivumbuka submitted.

Birivumbuka added that Mabirizi is an ex-convict who previously served an 18-month jail term over similar charges but he has previously demonstrated what he termed as repetitive disrespect toward judicial officers. Birivumbuka thus invited the court to deny him bail.

Buganda Road Court Chief Magistrate Ritah Neumbe Kidasa is presiding over the case.
Mabirizi, 39, is battling charges of malicious information and hate speech contrary to section 28(1) and (2) and section 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.

Vehemently objecting to his release on bail, Birivumbuka argued that Mabirizi did not furnish the court with his national identity card or passport to prove his identity but instead presented an introductory letter from his LC1 chairperson that did not bear his photograph.

The prosecution further submitted that the charges against Mabirizi stem from alleged misuse of social media and that if released on bail, he could use the same platforms to interfere with ongoing investigations and the trial process.

Birivumbuka also questioned Mabirizi’s self-description as a civil rights activist, arguing that he did not provide proof of attachment to any legally recognised organisation.

In his rejoinder, Mabirizi said there is no law compelling him to respect judicial officers.

He dared the court to either release him on bail or immediately proceed with the hearing of the case if the prosecution is ready to prosecute the matter.

Mabirizi insisted that the constitution gives him a right to be tried while on bail.

After listening to both parties, the chief magistrate has adjourned the matter until March 6, 2026, when she will deliver her ruling.

The charges

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.