Besigye’s lawyer Eron Kiiza released on bail

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 The High Court on Friday (April 4) granted bail to lawyer Eron Kiiza, who was sentenced to nine months in prison by the General Court Martial (GCM) for contempt of court.

Kiiza was convicted when he banged the angle bars while representing four-time presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye and his aide Hajji Obeid Lutale, who are facing treason charges at Nakawa Chief Magistrates’ Court.

On Friday, High Court Judge Michael Elubu released Kiiza on a sh20 million cash bail after finding his sureties substantial.

Elubu stated that Kiiza has the right to temporal freedom and qualifies for admission on bail pending appeal, citing the substantial sureties as a guarantee for his court appearance.

“I find that your sureties are substantial enough to compel you to report to court,” he ruled.

Kiiza’s sureties were directed to execute a non-cash bond of sh50 million.

The lawyer’s sureties include his wife, Syliva Tumwebaze (Hima Cement Archives and Data Manager), his cousin Dr. Busingye Kabumba (Lecturer of Law at Makerere University), and friend Primah Kwagla (the executive director of Women’s Probono Initiative).

In a ruling delivered by Assistant Registrar Godfrey Ssalamu Ngobi, Elubu ordered Kiiza to surrender his passport in court and report to the registrar every first Monday of the month to extend his bail.

How Kiiza was jailed

As the General Court Martial convened to hear the case of Dr Kizza Besigye and his aide Haji Obeid Lutale on January 7, 2025, chaotic scenes played out in the court.

Besigye, the former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) president and Lutale are facing charges of subversion and unlawful possession of firearms.

As Kiiza, who is one of the defence lawyers, proceeded to the bar (a place designated for lawyers), he banged the angle bars, a conduct the judge advocate, Brig. Gen. Richard Tukacungurwa, said was contemptuous.

Consequently, Kiiza was intercepted by military officers and a scuffle ensued.

Amid the chaotic scenes in the courtroom, the army court chairman, Brig. Gen Robert Freeman Mugabe and the members of the court adjourned the case for 30 minutes and excused themselves from the courtroom.

Kiiza was later brought and sentenced to nine months in jail.

In his ruling, Mugabe said on December 10 last year, Kiiza expressed gross professional misconduct and he was warned to desist from the same.

However, Kiiza exhibited the same when he confronted a court orderly, who was guiding him where to sit, according to Mugabe.

Kiiza was not given an opportunity to speak after the contempt charge was read out.