In a contentious turn of events, Eron Kiiza, the prominent lawyer defending opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, has been sentenced to nine months in prison by the General Court Martial for contempt of court. The sentencing, which took place on Monday, has ignited a fierce debate about judicial conduct and the rights of legal representation in Uganda.
Kiiza was representing Besigye in a case involving charges of illegal possession of firearms, when he was arrested after a heated disagreement with military police officers at the General Court Martial in Makindye. According to reports, Kiiza was denied access to the courtroom bar, leading him to forcefully insist on his right to enter, which resulted in his arrest after he banged on barricades. The court, chaired by Brig Robert Freeman Mugabe, found Kiiza guilty of gross professional misconduct without allowing him to defend himself or mitigating circumstances to be presented.
The case has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, including human rights organizations, legal professionals, and opposition supporters. Many argue that the sentencing reflects a broader pattern of intimidation and suppression of dissent within Uganda’s judicial system. Critics have pointed out the lack of due process, accusing the military court of operating like a “kangaroo court,” where justice is not served but is rather a tool for political control.
Lawyer Eron Kiiza has a history of advocating for human rights and has often found himself at odds with the establishment. His firm stance on legal ethics and justice has made him a notable figure in Uganda’s legal community. His sentencing has sparked renewed discussions on the independence of the judiciary and the use of military courts to try civilians, particularly those associated with political opposition.
Besigye’s supporters and various legal bodies have condemned the arrest and sentencing, calling for Kiiza’s immediate release and for a review of the proceedings by a civilian court. The incident has also raised questions about the treatment of lawyers in military courts, with previous instances of lawyers being charged with contempt when representing opposition figures.
The sentencing comes at a time when Uganda’s political landscape is already fraught with tensions, following the high-profile abduction of Besigye from Kenya and his subsequent trial in a military court for charges he vehemently denies.
This story continues to develop, with many watching closely to see if this sentencing will provoke any response from international human rights organizations or lead to changes in how civilian cases are handled by military courts in Uganda.