By Hannah Marion Namukasa
The High Court has scheduled a hearing for February 25, 2025, concerning a case filed by prominent human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza against the Attorney General and the Commissioner General of Prisons. The case, registered as Miscellaneous Cause No. HCT-00-CV-MC-0037-2025, stems from Kiiza’s role as one of the defense lawyers for Dr. Kizza Besigye and his aide, Hajj Obeid Lutale, who are facing charges of treachery and unlawful possession of firearms in the General Court Martial.
According to a hearing notice issued by the court, the proceedings will take place at 10:00 AM at the High Court in Kampala. The notice, signed by Simon Kintu Zirintusa, emphasizes that failure to appear by any party could result in the case proceeding in their absence.
Kiiza’s legal battles come amid his earlier conviction for contempt of court after an incident in court on January 7, 2025. The General Court Martial convicted Kiiza of contempt after he allegedly assaulted a court orderly and caused a disturbance in the courtroom. Kiiza was sentenced to nine months in prison at Kitalya by the General Court Martial’s chairman, Brig. Gen. Robert Freeman Mugabe, who noted that Kiiza had been previously warned regarding his behavior.
However, Kiiza, through his legal team, filed an appeal with the Court Martial Appeals Court on January 15, 2025, challenging both his conviction and sentence. In his appeal, Kiiza argues that the General Court Martial erred by convicting him without formally charging him, violating his constitutional right to a fair hearing. He contends that the accusation of assault was baseless and that the sentence was excessively harsh and illegal. Kiiza is seeking to have his conviction and sentence overturned.
The upcoming High Court hearing adds a new layer to Kiiza’s ongoing legal challenges, with his supporters closely monitoring the case, which could have significant implications for both his personal legal standing and broader human rights advocacy.
