(Kampala) – City lawyer Hassan Male Mabirizi has formally asked the Anti Corruption Court, based in Nakasero, Kampala, to order the removal of David Kalemera, currently serving as the head of intelligence and strategic operations on corruption at the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA). Mabirizi argues that Kalemera, as a convict of the Anti Corruption Court, should not hold any public office, a restriction he says applies for a 10 year period following conviction. He believes Kalemera’s continued service conflicts with efforts to tackle corruption.
According to Mabirizi’s petition, the Anti-Corruption Court convicted Kalemera in 2022 of crimes related to falsifying customs documents and conspiracy to commit a felony. These convictions fall under the East African Customs Management Act of 2004 and Uganda’s Penal Code Act, respectively. Despite this, Mabirizi claims Kalemera was appointed on July 5, 2024, to oversee operations against corruption within URA.
| Timeline of Events | Details |
|---|---|
| April 21, 2022 | Kalemera convicted of customs fraud |
| July 5, 2024 | Kalemera appointed as URA Advisor |
| July 10, 2024 | Mabirizi files petition |
| October 15, 2024 | Attorney General served the petition |
| October 31, 2024 | Court scheduled for ruling |
The Attorney General, represented by principal state attorney Harriet Nalukenge, contested Mabirizi’s application, asserting it was legally unsound. Nalukenge argued that Mabirizi had failed to serve the application within the required 21 days, noting it was filed in July but only served in October, making it “stale” and subject to dismissal.
Nalukenge also argued that Mabirizi lacks standing in the matter, stating he is not a party to the original case and therefore cannot seek court orders on this issue. Furthermore, she said the judgment and sentence Mabirizi cited were not on record with the court, nor was there confirmation they were issued by the court. Nalukenge maintained that the petition lacks a valid basis for action.
Justice Jane Okuo Kajuga is expected to issue a ruling on the petition on October 31.
