DPP Drops Charges Against Lawyer Mabirizi, New Counts Instituted

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has dropped four charges against lawyer Male Mabirizi following a Constitutional Court ruling that nullified the relevant law.

“Following the ruling of the Constitutional Court, the DPP informs this court that proceedings against Male Mabirizi are discontinued,” said state prosecutor Richard Birivumbuka.

However, the court has instituted three new charges against Mabirizi, including publishing false information and broadcasting without a license.

Last month, the court denied him bail, citing his failure to present valid identification and credible sureties. Chief Magistrate Ritah Neumbe Kidasa noted that Mabirizi did not provide a National Identification Card, while the proposed sureties produced expired IDs and failed to show proof of renewal. Additionally, one surety, Sebadduka Lukayat, resides outside the court’s jurisdiction, making them unsuitable to stand as guarantor.

Prosecution alleges that in January 2026, Mabirizi used a computer via TikTok to send, share, or transmit information about newly appointed Chief Justice Flavian Zeija and Court of Appeal Judge Musa Ssekaana.

According to prosecutors Richard Birivumbuka and Joan Keko, Mabirizi described Chief Justice Zeija as a “conman,” “fraudster,” and “corrupt,” claiming he sold property to pay a bribe to secure his appointment as Principal Judge—statements the prosecution says are false and intended to ridicule the judicial officer.

The lawyer is also accused of making similar statements about Justice Ssekaana, calling him a “conman” and “fraudster,” remarks prosecutors argue could undermine the judge’s reputation.

Mabirizi pleaded not guilty to the new charges.