The State has withdrawn earlier Computer Misuse Act charges against city lawyer Male H. Mabirizi K. Kiwanuka and filed fresh charges, further escalating his ongoing legal challenges.
According to charge sheets from Uganda Police, Mabirizi is now accused of broadcasting without a license under Sections 28(1) and (2) of the Uganda Communications Act, as well as publishing false information contrary to Regulation 110(e) of the Uganda Communications (Licensing) Regulations, 2019.
The new charges allege that in January 2026, Mabirizi used his TikTok account to disseminate audio-visual content across Kampala and Wakiso districts without authorization from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). Authorities claim the content was transmitted via Airtel Uganda services.
In two separate counts of defamation, the prosecution alleges that Mabirizi made false claims against senior judicial officers, including Chief Justice Dr. Flavian Zeija, whom he allegedly described as “a conman, a fraudster, corrupt, a file grabber” who sold property to secure his appointment. Mabirizi is also accused of making similar remarks against Justice Musa Ssekaana of the Court of Appeal. The State maintains these statements were knowingly false and disseminated publicly via digital platforms.
Mabirizi appeared before Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court but declined to enter a plea on the new charges. He also requested the recusal of Chief Magistrate Ritah Neumbe Kidasa, although no immediate reasons were provided.
Following the hearing, Mabirizi was remanded to Luzira Prison until April 15, 2026, pending further proceedings. The move comes in the wake of a constitutional court ruling that nullified the earlier Computer Misuse Act charges.