By Kerry Howard Mwesigwa
Stanley Kisambira, the Judiciary Driver who broke the internet with an audio clip wherein he complained about the meagre pay and asserted his potential to intentionally cause accidents, endangering the lives of those in the vehicle, including his principal has appeared before the Buganda Road Court in Kampala, where he was charged with spreading hate speech in violation of the computer misuse (Amended) Act, 2022, specifically section 26A(1)(C).
According to the prosecution, on May 12, 2023, Kisambira shared a recorded audio message through a Judiciary transport WhatsApp group. The content of the audio was deemed likely to incite animosity towards judges within the Judiciary. Kisambira’s remarks focused on the perceived salary discrepancy between judges and drivers, insinuating that the low pay could lead drivers to cause accidents intentionally, endangering the lives of judges and their bodyguards.
Kisambira, who works as a driver for Justice Godfrey Namundi in Mbale District openly voiced his dissatisfaction with his low salary of Shs235,000 not being sufficient to support his family, and allegedly made inflammatory statements targeting judges in an audio recording.
In response to the circulated audio recording, the Judiciary Permanent Secretary, Pius Bigirimana, strongly refuted Kisambira’s claims, accusing him of spreading falsehoods. Bigirimana revealed that Kisambira, in addition to his monthly salary of UGX 235,000, also received operational funds of UGX 200,000, a consolidated allowance of UGX 720,000 every three months, and quarterly welfare money amounting to UGX 1.125 million. He emphasized that Kisambira’s allegations were baseless and expressed his intention to initiate disciplinary proceedings against him. He stressed the Judiciary’s commitment to the safety of judicial officers and the importance of not spreading misinformation that could jeopardize their well-being.
Kisambira, a driver to Justice Godfrey Namundi and a resident of Sazzagulu zone in Mukono District, had previously been detained before being released on police bond. However, he was rearrested on the morning of Monday 22nd May when he reported to the Kampala Central Police Station. Unfortunately, due to the absence of the magistrate assigned the case; Kisambira was informed that he would remain in prison until June 2, 2023, when his case is expected to be heard.
