Sandra Ainebyoona.
KAMPALA, 20th September 2023 – In an unexpected turn of events, Uganda’s Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has chosen to withdraw charges of disobedience and public nuisance against the President’s son and Senior Presidential Advisor Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba. This surprising development has left the nation abuzz with speculation and intrigue.
The charges, initially brought forth by the perennial litigator lawyer Male Mabirizi earlier this year, had sent shockwaves through Uganda’s political landscape. They originated from an incident in 2022 when Gen Muhoozi, a serving military officer, addressed a political gathering at Kololo independence ground. During his speech, he made statements that were deemed to have both direct and indirect implications for the Ugandan population, as per the charges.
Mabirizi invoked sections 160(1) and 116 of the Penal Code Act, accusing Gen Muhoozi of violating statutory duties and causing public nuisance. These charges were not exclusive to Gen Muhoozi, as they were also levied against MP Michael Mawanda, veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda, Balaam Barugahare, Michael Nuwagira Toyota, Lilian Aber, and Michael Katungi.
However, what made this case particularly interesting was the sudden intervention of the DPP, who instructed Senior State Attorney Ivan Evan Kyazze to withdraw the charges against Gen Muhoozi. This move took many by surprise and added a layer of mystery to the proceedings.
Lawyer Male Mabirizi, who had been a relentless advocate for pursuing this case, sought the magistrate’s consent before the charges were dropped. However, Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi overruled Mabirizi’s request, asserting that he had no authority to influence the DPP’s decision, thereby allowing the charges to be dismissed.
Mabirizi, undeterred by this setback, expressed his intentions to file an application to appeal against the proceedings at Buganda Road Court. His determination to see this case through remains steadfast, despite the unexpected turn of events.
