Mabirizi’s case against Gen Muhoozi transferred to High Court

By Elizabeth Ankunda

17^th July 2023

The Buganda Road Court has granted prosecution’s application to transfer the file to the High court criminal division for review in the case filed by Hassan Male Mabirizi against General Muhoozi Kainerugaba and seven others.

This followed the amendments done by Male Mabirizi by adding more charges and accused persons on the charge sheet at the city wall court.

In this case Hassan Male Mabirizi is accusing Gen. Muhoozi Keinerugaba and seven leaders of MK movement for disobedience of statutory duty, common nuisance, scandalous conduct and conspiracy to commit crimes.

In the suit filed on 22 November 2022, Mabirizi alleged that Kainerugaba addressed a political gathering at Kololo Independence Grounds in Central Division, Kampala City, without resigning from the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF).

According to Mabirizi, this act contravenes section 99 of the UPDF Act, which prohibits serving military personnel from engaging in political activities.

Although the case was over taken by prosecution on 14 November 2022, this saw Hassan Male Mabirizi making amendments by adding more six suspects and four charges on 13th July 2023.

The amended charge sheet includes; David Kabanda, Andrew Mujuni Mwenda, Balaam Barugahare  Ateenyi, Micheal Mawanda  Maranga, Micheal Nuwagira Kaguta alias Toyota, Lilian Aber and Michael Katungi .

On Monday, before chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi of Buganda road court where the file was transferred, Gen Muhoozi’s legal team led by Mukasa Mbidde appeared to proceed with the Case against their clients but it was not possible due to the amendments made by Hassan Male Mabirizi.

In the absence of the complainant Hassan Male Mabirizi, prosecution led by Joan Keko, they asked the court to allow them to take file to high court criminal division for review, basing on the amendments made by Male Mabirizi which is allowed under the law.

Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi after listening to their submissions granted the application and 2nd August 2023, for mention of the matter.

Mabirizi who appeared after the court session, expressed his dissatisfaction against prosecution for taking over his case without his consent.