The Entebbe Senior Magistrate Grade one, Edgar Tibayeita Tusiime has sentenced Shoe Hawker and National Unity Platform (NUP) member Mr Juma Musuuza alias Madubarah to a 12 months imprisonment over hate speech and malicious information against President Yoweri Museveni, Speaker Anita Among and First son Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Court heard that in October last year, Musuuza, while in Wakiso district or thereabout using tik tok account Madubarah UG through a computer sent or shared information which is likely to ridicule, degrade or demean Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
“If Museveni hands over power to his drunkard son, the country will be destroyed within two days, let Ugandans pray for our country and ourselves” he said.
Court heard that in the same month, Musuuza shared information saying, “If Muhoozi takes over power from his farther, the country will be destroyed within two days according to how he drinks and whoever talks, we shall kill or arrest you relating to Muhoozi kainerugaba, the first son”.
Court further heard that Musuuza said, “Using tax payer’s money to build a mansion which is better than statehouse and buying bleaching jelly (chemicals) relating to Anita Among, the speaker of parliament”.
During his conviction, state attorney Mr Paul Byamukama Aheebwa asked court to hand Musuuza the maximum of seven years imprisonment or 750 currency points (Shs 15 million), to help the convict learn that human rights should be enjoyed with mutual respect.
However the lead defence lawyer Mr. Jonathan Elotu asked court for a lenient sentence since Musuuza is a family man, sole breadwinner for his family and the case being his first offence which has seen him spend close to 10 months on remand at Kigo prison.
During sentencing His Worship Tibayeita said court had taken into account the submissions, the convict was remorseful during the trial and had no record of him being convicted by any court on commission of any offence before any court.
“Prosecution has not produced any record of him being of any case, so court proceeds to treat him like a first time offender, the convict is accordingly sentenced to serve a time of 12 months imprisonment on each count”.
His Worship Tibayeita added, “The sentences shall run for the date he was first remanded which is 23rd October 2024 and the sentences shall run concurrently, if your dissatisfied with the judgement or that sentence you have the right to appeal before the high court” he said.
The second defence lawyer Mr Mahad Kawuma said they wont appeal the sentence, however they will appeal the conviction saying it curtails on freedom of expression, right of media and internet use in a democratic setting.
