Kiiza, known for representing opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye, was summarily sentenced to nine months in Kitalya Prison by the General Court Martial on January 7, 2025, for contempt of court.
Kiiza's arrest occurred at the General Court Martial in Makindye while he was representing Dr. Besigye and his aide, Obeid Lutale, during their trial.
He was reportedly prevented from accessing the defense section of the courtroom, leading to a confrontation with military personnel. Subsequently, he was arrested, convicted of contempt of court without a formal hearing, and sentenced to nine months in prison.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI), condemned the manner of Kiiza's arrest and sentencing.
They highlighted violations of due process and fair trial standards, noting that Kiiza was denied the opportunity to defend himself and was allegedly subjected to torture during his detention.
The General Court Martial's decision to sentence Kiiza without a formal hearing has raised concerns about the treatment of legal professionals in Uganda and the independence of the judiciary.
Legal experts and human rights advocates have called for reforms to ensure that lawyers can perform their duties without fear of intimidation or arbitrary detention.
Kiiza's release on bail is a significant development in this case, but it also underscores ongoing concerns about the rule of law and human rights in Uganda.
The legal community continues to monitor the situation closely, advocating for the protection of legal practitioners and the upholding of judicial independence.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/besigye-s-lawyer-eron-kiiza-granted-bail
