Court Martial Jails Besigye, Lutale’s Lawyer Eron Kiiza For 9 Months

In a shocking turn of events, the General Court Martial, sitting at Makindye, has sentenced lawyer Eron Kiiza to nine months in Kitalya prison for “gross professional misconduct.”

Kiiza, a key lawyer in opposition figure Kizza Besigye’s trial, was found guilty of “banging the angle bars and not listening to the chairman of the court,” Freeman Mugabe.

The sentence has sparked outrage, with many condemning the military court’s decision as a blatant abuse of power. Kiiza’s lawyer, Samuel Muyizi, alleged that Kiiza was tortured during the break, with his arm dislocated, and that military personnel attempted to strangle him.

The sentencing of Kiiza without a trial has raised concerns over the conduct of the military court, which critics argue has no jurisdiction to try civilians. Critics have described the court’s actions as a “kangaroo court”.

Kiiza, a renowned human rights lawyer, has been a vocal advocate for justice and human rights in Uganda. His jailing has sent shockwaves through the legal community, with many expressing solidarity with Kiiza and condemning the military court’s actions.

The Ugandan judiciary has faced criticism in recent years, with concerns over its independence and impartiality. The Supreme Court’s failure to rule on an appeal against the Constitutional Court’s stripping of military courts of the right to try civilians has only added to the controversy.

Kiiza’s jailing is a dark day for justice in Uganda, and it remains to be seen how the legal community and civil society will respond to this development.

Meanwhile, Besigye and his caucused Lutale case was adjourned to January 13, 2025 for further mentioning following a protestation by defence lawyers led by Kenyan former Minister of Justice Martha Karua, and Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, arguing that they could not continue with the matter without one of their colleagues, Kiiza.