The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has taken a decisive step in addressing the controversial nine-month contempt sentence handed to Eron Kiiza, a lawyer for opposition leader Kizza Besigye, by the General Court Martial at Makindye. Kiiza’s imprisonment has sparked widespread public concern, prompting the ULS to act in its role as a key advocate for the legal profession in Uganda.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ULS emphasized its dedication to the rule of law and fair judicial processes, underlining its responsibility to represent and protect legal practitioners. While refraining from commenting on the specifics of the ongoing case, the society expressed concern over the implications of Kiiza’s incarceration on the integrity of the legal profession.
Kiiza, who was defending Besigye and his aide Obeid Lutale, was sentenced after an incident earlier this week in which he was barred from entering the courtroom. The altercation unfolded when an orderly refused Kiiza entry into the lawyer’s designated bar area, leading to a verbal confrontation. Despite his role as a defense attorney, Kiiza was not permitted to defend himself, nor was he informed of the charges against him. Moreover, he was denied the opportunity to mitigate before being sentenced.
In response to the case, the ULS has launched a series of fact-finding missions to better understand the circumstances surrounding Kiiza’s imprisonment. A delegation will visit Kiiza at Kitalya Government Prison, while another team will engage with the General Court Martial, alongside Senior Counsel Martha Karua and Advocate Erias Lukwago. A third group will meet Chief Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo to urge a swift ruling on a case involving the jurisdiction of military courts over civilians, a matter closely linked to Kiiza’s situation.
The ULS has committed to releasing a comprehensive statement after conducting these consultations, aiming to ensure the protection of legal practitioners’ rights and uphold justice in Uganda. The Society reiterated its respect for ongoing legal processes but remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice.
