By Andrew Irumba
Eron Kiiza, one of over 100 lawyers representing Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale, has been sentenced to nine months in Kitalya Prison for contempt of court. The dramatic incident unfolded on January 7, 2025, inside the General Court Martial in Makindye, where Kiiza had gone to represent his clients.
The tension began when Kiiza was blocked from accessing the bar area designated for lawyers. Despite his insistence, military police officers forcibly removed him, leading to chaos in the courtroom. Kiiza managed to break free and join his clients in the dock, but he was rearrested and subsequently charged with contempt of court. Brigadier Freeman Mugabe, the court’s chairperson, issued the sentence citing Kiiza’s alleged disruptive behavior and previous warnings about professional misconduct.
This latest development adds another chapter to a saga that began in November 2024, when Besigye and Lutale were controversially arrested in Nairobi, Kenya. The two were reportedly apprehended under unclear circumstances and transferred to Uganda without going through formal extradition procedures, sparking legal and diplomatic concerns. Kenyan authorities denied involvement in the operation, further fueling criticism of the arrests.
Since the start of the trial, Eron Kiiza has been a fierce advocate for his clients, often challenging the court on legal procedures and putting the military court on the defensive. His approach earned him a reputation for fearlessness, with many observers noting that his arguments frequently exposed procedural flaws in the court’s handling of the case. Some critics have suggested that the military had pre-planned to block him from accessing the courtroom to weaken the defense.
Kiiza’s sentencing has drawn widespread criticism. A group of 32 defense lawyers, including Kenya’s former Justice Minister Martha Karua and Kampala Mayor Erias Lukwago, refused to proceed with the case in his absence, arguing that his role was indispensable. They emphasized their clients’ right to a fair hearing, leading to an adjournment of the case to January 13, 2025.
Besigye and Lutale are accused of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. However, the arrest and trial have been marred by questions about human rights, the rule of law, and the impartiality of the General Court Martial. Kiiza’s imprisonment is seen by many as a troubling escalation in a case that has already tested the limits of Uganda’s legal and judicial system.
