Activist Herbert Anderson Burora finds himself at the center of controversy once again. On Monday night, he was arrested by Parliament’s police and detained at the Kira Division for “safe custody,” according to Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire.
The arrest stems from a case of cyber harassment filed against Burora for allegedly targeting the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among. The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has yet to clarify the charges, although officials from CID headquarters in Kibuli stated they were not involved in the investigation.
Sources within the police revealed that the case was registered at Parliament’s police station, initiating an inquiry into Burora’s online activities. This arrest follows Burora’s suspension on March 14 by Hajji Yunusu Kakande, the Secretary to the Office of the President. Burora was accused of violating Uganda Public Service Standing Orders by publicly criticizing the Speaker of Parliament.
In a bold move, Burora took to X (formerly Twitter) to rally support for an anti-corruption protest scheduled at Parliament on May 23, 2024. His social media activism has now led to his arrest, with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) endorsing charges of cyber harassment. According to an anonymous source, Burora will face court either today or tomorrow.
Legal Context
Section 25 of the Computer Misuse Act, 2011, under which Burora is charged, criminalizes the willful and repeated use of communication to disturb another person’s peace, quiet, or right to privacy. Violators face a fine of up to twenty-four currency points or imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
The legality of sections 24 and 25 of the Computer Misuse Act has been a contentious issue. In 2017, the Uganda Law Society challenged these sections, arguing that they infringed upon the constitutional guarantees of freedom of speech and expression. However, the Constitutional Court upheld the legality of section 24 in 2023, affirming that cyber harassment is a punishable offense.
Burora’s Last Post
Shortly before his arrest, Burora posted on X: “My home has been besieged by unknown men who claim that I should go with them.” He was subsequently asked to hand over all government property, including his office and vehicle, to Ms. Doreen Keita, Deputy Resident City Commissioner, Central Division, Kampala.
