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Speaker Among, Burora Fail to Settle Hate Speech Case Amicably
Herbert Anderson Burora, the former deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Rubaga Division, and speaker of parliament Anita Annet Among have failed to reach an out-of-court settlement in a hate speech case, paving the way for a full trial.
On Wednesday, Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi set the case for hearing after Burora informed the court that attempts to negotiate a resolution with Among had been unsuccessful.
Burora stated that he had fulfilled his part in the discussions and was now awaiting the prosecution’s evidence to prepare his defense. As a result, Kayizzi adjourned the case to May 7, 2025, when the trial will begin
Senior state attorney Ivan Kyazze represented the prosecution. Burora faces six counts of hate speech and spreading malicious information, allegedly aimed at demeaning Speaker Among
According to the prosecution, between March and June 2024, Burora used his X handle (@HarderHB) to post defamatory content accusing Among of being a torturer, murderer, kidnapper, and corrupt official.
The state argues that the statements were intended to ridicule, degrade, and promote hostility against Among. Burora, however, denies the charges and has been released on bail/Burora, who served as deputy RCC for more than five years in Nakawa and Rubaga Divisions, first ran into trouble in March 2024 after making public statements condemning corruption in parliament, allegedly implicating Among.
On March 14, 2024, he was suspended from office to allow for investigations. The suspension letter cited his defiance of official advice and continued social media activity, which contravened Uganda Public Service Standing Orders (2021). After serving a 28-day suspension, Burora opted to resign on March 18, 2024, stating that he wanted to protect his conscience.
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