Besigye lawyer Eron Kizza expected to appear in court Tuesday

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A city lawyer, who was sentenced to nine months in prison by the General Court Martial in Makindye for contempt of court, is expected to appear at the High Court today, February 25, 2025, for a hearing on an application seeking his unconditional release from prison.

Eron Kiiza, was convicted of contempt of court, when he banged the angle bars, while representing four-time presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye and his aide Hajji Obeid Lutale. He is expected to appear before Justice Douglas Singiza.

Besigye and Lutale were formally charged with treason and misprision of treason at Nakawa Chief Magistrates’ Court on February 21, 2025, and remanded to Luzira Prison by chief magistrate Esther Nyadoi.

The duo was charged alongside Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officer Capt. Denis Oola, who is attached to the armoured brigade.

This was after their case file was transferred from the General Court Martial to the civilian court following the Supreme Court ruling, stating that military courts cannot try civilians.

The landmark ruling follows a petition filed by former Nakawa Member of Parliament Michael Kabaziguruka challenging his trial at the GCM on charges of treason.

However, the Uganda Law Society (ULS) contends that Kiiza was convicted and sentenced to a term of imprisonment for contempt of court under the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Act, Cap 330, which has a maximum sentence of 30 days.

“The continued detention of Kiiza is unlawful and violates his right to liberty, as guaranteed under Article 23 (1) of the Constitution,” ULS contends.

How Kiiza was jailed

As the General Court Martial convened to hear the case of Dr Kizza Besigye and his aide Haji Obeid Lutale on January 7, 2025, chaotic scenes played out in the court.

As Kiiza, who is one of the defence lawyers, proceeded to the bar (place designated for lawyers), he banged the angle bars, a conduct the judge advocate, Brig. Gen. Richard Tukacungurwa, said was contemptuous. Consequently, Kiiza was intercepted by military officers and a scuffle ensued.

Amid the chaotic scenes in the courtroom, army court chairperson Brig. Gen. Robert Freeman Mugabe and the members of the court adjourned the case for 30 minutes and excused themselves from the courtroom. Kiiza was later brought and sentenced to nine months in jail.

In his ruling, Mugabe said on December 10 last year, Kiiza expressed gross professional misconduct and he was warned to desist from the same.

However, Kiiza exhibited the same when he confronted a court orderly, who was guiding him where to sit, according to Mugabe. Kiiza was not given an opportunity to speak after the contempt charge was read out.