Ahmednasir Abdullahi is one of the most known people in the country. That is because he has been causing reactions due to his outbursts and today, he was back on it again.
Through his official X account, Ahmednasir Abdullahi famously known as the Grand Mullah sharply criticized Uganda’s new Chief Justice, Dr. Flavian Zeija, for what he described as a “misplaced priority” in addressing social media criticism.
The remarks followed Zeija’s stern warning during the ceremonial opening of the New Law Year 2026 in Kampala, where he vowed not to tolerate insults or falsehoods targeting judicial officers on social platforms, citing the additional “trauma” such attacks cause judges already burdened by heavy caseloads and distressing cases.
Ahmednasir argued that the Ugandan judiciary grapples with far more pressing issues—such as case backlogs, judicial independence concerns, and access to justice—than online commentary.
He urged the Chief Justice, as a “new broom,” to focus on transformative reforms to strengthen the courts and the nation, rather than issuing threats that demonstrate “small mindedness.”
The post tagged key Ugandan entities, including the Uganda Law Society, its president Isaac Ssemakadde, and President Yoweri Museveni.
The critique echoes a broader backlash. The Uganda Law Society swiftly rejected Zeija’s stance, asserting that judges, as public officials, must endure scrutiny—even harsh criticism—under constitutional protections for free expression.
They warned that pursuing legal action against critics risks chilling debate and further eroding public trust in the judiciary.
This exchange highlights ongoing tensions between judicial authority and digital free speech in Uganda, where social media has become a key arena for public accountability amid wider institutional challenges.
Author: Bashirjuma
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