Advocate Eron Kiiza: A Victim of Contempt or Systemic Overreach?

By Andrew Irumba 

Kampala, Uganda – January 8, 2025: In a dramatic turn of events, Advocate Eron Kiiza, a prominent human rights lawyer, was on Tuesday sentenced to nine months in prison for contempt by the General Court Martial in Makindye. This decision follows an alleged altercation during court proceedings, which escalated tensions surrounding the controversial role of military courts in trying civilians. Kiiza has been a vocal critic of military interference in civil justice matters, which many see as a challenge to the rule of law in Uganda.

In response to this development, the Uganda Law Society (ULS) has issued a strongly worded statement condemning the imprisonment and calling for immediate action to address the matter.

ULS President Isaac K. Ssemakadde acknowledged the public interest in the case, stating: “While we respect the autonomy of our members and do not typically provide running commentary on active cases in which they are involved, we acknowledge the significant public interest in this matter.”

To ensure justice and accountability, the ULS has announced three urgent fact-finding missions:

1. Visit to Kitalya Government Prison – A delegation will meet with Kiiza to establish the circumstances of his incarceration and explore potential remedies.
2. Engagement with the General Court Martial – Senior Counsel Martha Karua and Advocate Erias Lukwago will join discussions on the implications of this case.
3. Meeting with the Chief Justice of Uganda – The ULS will push for the expedited delivery of the Supreme Court’s judgment in Attorney General vs. Michael Kabaziguruka, a case addressing the jurisdiction of military courts over civilians.

The ULS emphasized its commitment to defending justice, stating: “ULS will issue a comprehensive statement addressing both the specific circumstances of this case and its broader implications for the administration of justice in Uganda.”

This case has reignited debates on the role and jurisdiction of military courts in Uganda, with critics arguing that such actions undermine the independence of the judiciary. Kiiza’s imprisonment has been widely condemned by legal practitioners and human rights activists, who view it as an attack on the legal profession and the broader principles of justice.

Concluding the statement, Ssemakadde reaffirmed the ULS’s dedication to protecting its members and advocating for fairness within Uganda’s legal system:
“The 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, as enshrined in Section 3(c) of the Uganda Law Society Act, Cap 305.”

The ULS’s actions are anticipated to shed light on the case and challenge the growing concern over military overreach in civilian legal matters.