Kampala lawyer Hassan Male Mabirizi has found himself in legal hot water once again as the High Court in Mbale delivers two separate rulings against him. The rulings, delivered on Friday, May 31, by High Court Judge Farouq Lubega, not only dismissed Mabirizi’s cases but also ordered him to pay costs to the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Government.
In a scathing judgment, Judge Lubega declared Mabirizi’s cases as frivolous and improperly filed before the court. He emphasized that Mabirizi failed to demonstrate sufficient or direct interest to bring the actions against the respondents, noting that Mabirizi is neither a Member of Parliament nor a voter in the constituency of Hon. Francis Zaake.
One of Mabirizi’s cases targeted Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and the Attorney General, challenging the legality of Tayebwa’s decision to refer Hon. Francis Zaake to the Committee on Rules, Privileges, and Discipline. The judge dismissed this case, highlighting Mabirizi’s lack of direct interest and improper filing.
Mabirizi’s second case, lodged against the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Attorney General, sought to quash orders halting the civil and political mobilization activities of the National Unity Platform (NUP). Judge Lubega ruled against Mabirizi again, stating that he failed to demonstrate his membership in NUP or the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) to justify his standing in the case.
The judge underscored the distinction between judicial review and public interest litigation, emphasizing that Mabirizi’s cases lacked the necessary direct, substantial, or personal impact required for judicial review.
This isn’t Mabirizi’s first brush with controversy. In 2016, he filed a case against Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi challenging land fees collection, sparking ire among Baganda traditionalists. Mabirizi’s legal battles have often been characterized by his confrontational approach and unconventional tactics.
Despite facing criticism and legal setbacks, Mabirizi says he remains undeterred, and will continue his legal crusade fueled by his belief in good governance and the rule of law. With a string of petitions and lawsuits to his name as well as an 18 month jail term to his experience, Mabirizi’s determination to challenge authority shows no signs of waning.
