Stella Nyanzi Returns to Court Over Offensive Communication

Controversial former Makerere University researcher, Dr Stella Nyanzi, is Thursday expected to re-appear before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court over charges of cyber harassment and offensive communication.

Nyanzi was expected to appear before the same Court on Thursday January 17, but did not show up on allegations that her lawyer, Isaac Ssemakadde, had advised her to not to do so until she recovers from an illness.

She is reported to have suffered a miscarriage while in the prison.

“Your worship, the accused declined to be brought to the court saying that her lawyer had advised her not to do so,” a prison wardress said on January 17.

This compelled Grade One Magistrate, Gladys Kamasanyu, to issue a production warrant for her to appear in court today, January 31.

Nyanzi, a mother of three, is indicted on two counts of cyber harassment and offensive communication in regard to her alleged indecent communication against President Yoweri Museveni and his late mother Esiteeri Kokundeka.

Prosecution led by Janat Kitimbo alleges that on September 16, 2018, Nyanzi posted on her Facebook wall indecent words against the President and his late mother.

According to the prosecution, the said posts were intended to disturb their peace, quiet and right to privacy.