The East African Court of Justice (EACJ) is set to charge a Kampala lawyer Hassan Male Mabirizi for misusing its emblem in a matter before it.
According to East African Community (EAC) Mabirizi is running an advert composed in a derogatory language, its emblem and photographs of the Judges of the community court asking for financial support in a matter before it.
“The EAC has learnt with dismay the misuse of its emblem by a one Mr. Male Mabirizi, a litigant in a matter before the East African Court of Justice (EACJ). Mr. Male Mabirizi is illegally using the community emblem and photographs of the honorable judges of the EACJ to among others, raise funds for personal purposes.” read in part of the statement.
Sections 7 and 8 of the community emblems act, as amended expressly prohibit the unauthorized use of the community emblem. Section 7(1) therefore provides that no person shall without the permission of the Council of Ministers notified in the Gazette, use or display the community emblem.
Section (8) of the said law creates an offence for abuse of the emblem punishable on conviction by a fine not exceeding $3,000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding three years or both such a fine and imprisonment.
EAC Secretary General Libérat Mfumukeko said as the community set up the EACJ as a neutral arbiter for disputes between parties, it condemns the abuse of its emblem, misuse of the photographs of the Judges and the derogatory language that Mr. Male Mabirizi has used against a sitting Head of State.
“The community, while considering legal action against him, hereby disassociates itself from Mr. Mabirizi’s advert with its derogatory language and illegal use of its emblem and photographs of the Judges.” He said
The community further demanded that Mr. Male Mabirizi writes an apology to the community and withdraws the said advert immediately.
