Uganda Law Society breaks silence on remanded lawyer Eron Kiiza

Kampala, (UG):- The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has responded decisively to the controversial imprisonment of Advocate Eron Kiiza, who was Tuesday sentenced by Makindye General Court Martial to spend nine months at Kitalya Prison for contempt of court.

Eron Kiiza is among the 40 lawyers assembled to represent veteran opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye and his co-accused Obeid Lutale in their trial at the army court over charges related to security and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, contrary to the Ugandan law.

The decision by the military court to sentence Kizza to prison on Tuesday has since sparked widespread concern within legal and human rights circles, raising questions about the role of such ‘Kangaroo’ courts in civilian justice matters.

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In a statement released on Wednesday, January 08, Law Society President, Isaac K. Ssemakadde acknowledged the “significant public interest” surrounding the high-profile case and unveiled ULS’ three fact-finding missions to address the situation.

“The first delegation is set to visit Kiiza at Kitalya Government Prison to assess the circumstances of his incarceration and explore potential remedies. A second delegation will meet with the General Court Martial and consult legal experts, including Senior Counsel Martha Karua and Advocate Erias Lukwago,” Ssemakadde remarked.

Additionally, a third delegation will approach Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo to press for the swift resolution of the Supreme Court case Attorney General vs Michael Kabaziguruka, which questions the jurisdiction of military courts over civilians.

“The ULS 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 emphasized, highlighting the organization’s commitment to justice as outlined in Section 3(c) of the Uganda Law Society Act, Cap 305.

Eron Kiiza’s detention has reignited conversations about the role of military courts in Uganda’s judicial system with many legal experts questioning the use of military tribunals to prosecute civilians, a concern further amplified by the lawyer’s imprisonment for alleged contempt.

However, the ULS’s efforts, Ssemakadde said, aim to ensure transparency, fairness, and adherence to the rule of law in resolving the matter. He pledged to issue a comprehensive statement following its investigations, addressing both the specific circumstances of Kiiza’s imprisonment and its broader implications for Uganda’s justice system.