The legal battle over detained human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza has taken a twist after the High Court in Kampala delayed its decision on his bail application.
Presiding Judge Michael Elubu on Monday adjourned the ruling to April 4, 2025, leaving Kiiza behind bars for at least two more weeks.
Kiiza’s legal team, led by Nicholas Opiyo, had presented three sureties in a bid to secure his release including ; Sylvia Tumwebaze his wife, Dr. Busingye Kabumba a Makerere University Lecturer and Primah Kwagala an Executive Director of the Women’s Pro Bono Initiative both friends.
Despite their backing, Kiiza remains locked up at Kitalya Prison, where he has been detained since January 7, 2025.
Kenyan politician and advocate Martha Karua and Uganda Law Society Vice President Anthony Asiimwe, have expressed concern over his continued imprisonment. Karua says that Kiiza’s detention represents a broader issue affecting the legal profession.
“This application is not just about Eron, but a trial for the judiciary.” she said
Kiiza was sentenced to nine months in prison by the General Court Martial for contempt of court during the trial of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and his aide Haji Obeid Lutale. His outburst in court allegedly landed him in trouble, with military judges ordering his immediate detention without giving him a chance to defend himself.
The DPP’s office argues that, as an advocate, Kiiza should have been aware of court decorum and acted accordingly to uphold the dignity of the court process. Chief State Attorney Joseph Kyomuhendo stated that the conviction shows the need to protect the court process and justifies a restrictive stance on bail in such matters.
On January 31, Uganda’s Supreme Court ruled that military courts have no jurisdiction over civilians, throwing Kiiza’s conviction into question.
