Law society says probing Besigye lawyer Kiiza’s imprisonment
“This is not just about Advocate Kiiza; it is about the broader implications for the administration of justice in Uganda,” Ssemakadde says.
In the dock before the General Court Martial at Makindye in Kampala is Obeid Lutale (L) advocate Eron Kiiza (C), and Col (Rtd) Kizza Besigye. (Credit: Colleb Mugume)
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In the dock before the General Court Martial at Makindye in Kampala is Obeid Lutale (L) advocate Eron Kiiza (C), and Col (Rtd) Kizza Besigye. (Credit: Colleb Mugume) Eron Kiiza in the dock at the General Court Martial on Tuesday. (Credit: Colleb Mugume) Col (Rtd) Kizza Besigye in the dock at General Court Martial. (Credit: Colleb Mugume)
KAMPALA - The Uganda Law Society (ULS) is set to send a fact-finding delegation to Kitalya Government Prison to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incarceration of lawyer Eron Kiiza.
This follows his nine-month contempt imprisonment handed down by the General Court Martial in Makindye, Kampala on January 7, 2025.
As a result, the ULS has expressed concern about the implications of Kiiza's detention on the rule of law and the legal profession in Uganda.
In a press statement issued on January 8, 2025, ULS president Isaac Ssemakadde says the society is commited to upholding justice and supporting its members.
“The Uganda Law Society remains steadfast in its duty to represent, protect and assist members of the legal profession in Uganda as regards conditions of practice and otherwise,” Ssemakadde stated, adding: “This case has significant public interest, and we are committed to conducting a thorough review of all pertinent information to ensure justice is upheld.”
According to Ssemakadde, a delegation which includes senior ULS officials will visit Kitalya Prison to assess Kiiza's conditions and gather firsthand information about his incarceration. Their mission will aim to establish whether due process was followed and to explore potential remedies for his imprisonment.
“This is not just about Advocate Kiiza; it is about the broader implications for the administration of justice in Uganda,” Ssemakadde says.
“We cannot overlook the use of military courts to try civilians, an issue that bears directly on this case and others like it.”
Two other missions
ULS has also launched two additional fact-finding missions.
One delegation is engaging the General Court Martial to discuss the legal basis of Kiiza’s conviction, while another is meeting with Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo to demand the expeditious delivery of the Supreme Court's judgment in the Attorney General vs Michael Kabaziguruka case.
This case, according to the ULS, holds significant relevance to the jurisdiction of military courts over civilians.
Following the investigations, ULS plans to issue a comprehensive statement addressing both the specifics of Kiiza’s case and the broader implications for Uganda’s legal system.
How Kiiza was jailed
Defence lawyer Kiiza was sentenced to nine months in jail for contempt of court on January 7, 2025. The incident happened as he attempted to access an area reserved for lawyers.
While moving toward the bar, he struck the angle bars, which the judge advocate, Brig. Gen. Richard Tukacungurwa, deemed disrespectful and contemptuous.
Kiiza was immediately stopped by military officers, leading to a confrontation.
During the chaotic situation, GCM chairperson Brig. Gen. Robert Freeman Mugabe, along with other court members, adjourned the proceedings for 30 minutes and left the courtroom.
During the scuffle, the military officers overpowered Kiiza and other lawyers who had come to his aid. Eventually, Kiiza was taken to the dock, where he joined Besigye and Lutale.
Later, Kiiza was removed from the dock and placed in a holding cell. He was brought back to court in the afternoon, where the chairperson formally read the charges against him and handed down the nine-month sentence to be served at Kitalya prison.
Kiiza was not allowed to speak after the contempt charge was presented.
In his ruling, Mugabe said Kiiza had previously been warned on December 10, 2024, about displaying unprofessional behaviour.
“The court finds you guilty of contempt of court and you are hereby sentenced to nine months in prison at Kitalya,” Mugabe ruled.
Contempt of court is a crime of being disobedient towards a court of law and its officers by defying the authority, justice and dignity of the court.
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