The trial of Makerere University Researcher Dr. Stellah Nyanzi, that was scheduled to start today, over charges of Cyber Harrasment and Offensive Communication against the President and his Late Mother, has been pushed to 19th December due the abscence of the trial Magistrate.

Buganda road court Presiding Magistrate Robert Mukanza has adjourned the matter saying his Colleague Magistrate Gladys Kamasanyu who is handling the case is indisposed.

Nyanzi is accused of cyber harassment and offensive communication stemming from the September 16 birthday poem dedicated to President Yoweri Museveni. The prosecution alleges that Nyanzi used her Facebook page to post a poem full of vulgar language where she attacked Museveni’s late mother, Esteri Kokundeka.

However, Nyanzi who was charged early this month has since denied the charges. In a previous court session, Nyanzi told court she instead used the poem and metaphors to protest against the oppression resulting from what she called bad leadership of the National Resistance Movement government headed by Museveni.

This is the second time Dr. Nyanzi is being taken to court for insulting the Head of State.

Nyanzi was arrested last month from Wandegeya police station where she had gone to seek permission and  security, to organise a peaceful demonstration against Makerere University’s refusal to re-instate her as a Researcher,  following a 2 year suspension due to allegations of misconduct

On 22nd November, after state prosecutor, Janet Kitimbo told court that inquiries into the matter are complete and a date should be fixed for hearing, Nyanzi’s lawyer Isaac Semakadde from Center for Legal Aid had no objections.

Outside court, Semakadde said that they are ready to cross-examine witness number one who should be President Museveni since he is the one alleged to having been offended by Nyanzi’s writings on Facebook.

“So we now have an indication that on the 10th of December at about 9am, the prosecution will present their first witness. A witness, who, in all fairness in law and logic must be Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. So our job is done here for today. We’re going to prepare to cross-examine the president on all matters concerning the vagina.” said Semakadde.

She has now been taken back to Luzira Prison because she wants to also teach prisoners how to use facebook.