The Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court has denied bail to controversial lawyer Hassan Male Mabirizi, citing failure to present valid identification and credible sureties.
In her ruling, Chief Magistrate Ritah Neumbe Kidasa noted that Mabirizi did not present a National Identification Card, while the sureties who appeared before court produced expired national IDs and failed to show proof that they had applied for renewal.
The court also found that one of the proposed sureties, Sebadduka Lukayat, resides outside the court’s jurisdiction, making them unsuitable to stand surety for the accused.
Mabirizi is currently on remand at Luzira Prison, where he was sent in February 2026 following charges of hate speech and spreading malicious information.
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 allegedly described Chief Justice Zeija as a “conman,” “fraudster,” and “corrupt,” and claimed that he sold property to pay a bribe to secure his appointment as Principal Judge—statements the prosecution says are false and intended to ridicule or demean the judicial officer.
The lawyer is also accused of making similar statements about Justice Ssekaana, referring to him as a “conman” and “fraudster,” remarks prosecutors argue could undermine the reputation of the judge.
Mabirizi pleaded not guilty to the charges.
His bail application, filed through lawyers led by Anthony Asiimwe, was opposed by the prosecution, which asked court to dismiss it.
Court agreed with the prosecution and denied bail, meaning Mabirizi will remain on remand at Luzira Prison as the case proceeds.
