By Prominent human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza, known for representing veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, has been granted bail following a controversial imprisonment by the General Court Martial.
Mr. Kiiza had been summarily sentenced to nine months in Kitalya Prison on January 7, 2025, after being found guilty of contempt of court during proceedings before the military court. His sentencing sparked widespread concern among legal practitioners, rights activists, and members of the opposition, who questioned the fairness of the process and the legitimacy of the military court’s jurisdiction over civilians.
According to sources close to the case, Kiiza’s “contemptuous conduct” reportedly stemmed from his attempts to challenge the court’s handling of a matter involving his client and to raise objections during the proceedings, which were deemed disrespectful by the presiding military judges.
After nearly three months in detention, Mr. Kiiza has been granted bail under unclear terms, pending a broader legal battle.
Several human rights organizations, including the Uganda Law Society, have condemned the military court’s decision, calling it a threat to due process and the right to fair trial. They argued that lawyers must be allowed to robustly represent their clients without fear of personal punishment.
Details of conditions for his bail to follow….
