Lawyer Male Mabirizi has been slapped with a Shs 300,000,000 fine for allegedly insulting a judge on social media, this website has learnt.
Mabirizi, who recently threatened to drag President Museveni to court over a driving permit, has in the past been known for dragging high profile figures to court including the Kabaka and National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu.
The matter states that Mabirizi, using his Facebook page Uganda People’s Interests and his personal Twitter handle @MaleMabiriziHKK made statements that were in contempt of court and for that the court has found him liable and slapped a 300M fine on him and issued a strong warning for him to stop attacking judicial officers in future.
On top of that fine, he has been ordered to pay all the applicants costs of the suit.
Many people have weighed in social media calling the development a gag of freedoms and one that will bankrupt the controversial lawyer.
“Isn’t (this) meant to practically bankrupt Mr Mabiriizi and prevent him from exercising his right to freedom of expression? Is it reasonable in the circumstances? Mr Mabiriizi will appeal against this.” Jamil Mujuzi said on Twitter.
“Even though he (Mabirizi) blocked me (on Twitter), this is unfair justice because he went against a judicial officer. Are they immune to public scrutiny? As long as we still have impunity in Uganda everyone can use his influence to determine and set precedents. This ruling is another step to silence people.” Kin Jems said.
