By Kabuye Ronald
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has taken swift action in response to the controversial imprisonment of Advocate Eron Kiiza, who was sentenced on Tuesday by the Makindye General Court Martial to serve nine months at Kitalya Prison for contempt of court.
In a statement released on Wednesday, January 8, ULS President Isaac K. Ssemakadde acknowledged the “significant public interest” surrounding the case and outlined the Law Society’s planned course of action to address the matter.
The ULS will undertake three key fact-finding missions to assess the situation. The first delegation is set to visit Kiiza at Kitalya Prison to evaluate the conditions of his detention and explore potential remedies. The second delegation will meet with officials from the General Court Martial, including consultations with legal experts such as Senior Counsel Martha Karua and Advocate Erias Lukwago. Lastly, the ULS will approach Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo to press for an expedited resolution of the ongoing Supreme Court case Attorney General vs Michael Kabaziguruka, which challenges the jurisdiction of military courts over civilians.
“The ULS remains unwavering in its duty to represent, protect, and assist members of the legal profession in Uganda,” said Ssemakadde, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to ensuring justice in line with Section 3(c) of the Uganda Law Society Act, Cap 305.
Kiiza, one of 40 lawyers representing veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and co-accused Obeid Lutale in their trial at the army court, was sentenced to prison on charges of contempt. The trial pertains to security and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, charges related to Uganda’s strict laws.
The military court’s decision has raised widespread concerns, particularly within legal and human rights circles, about the appropriateness of military tribunals handling civilian cases. Kiiza’s imprisonment has reignited discussions regarding the role of such ‘kangaroo’ courts in the country’s judicial system, with legal experts questioning the legitimacy of military courts prosecuting civilians.
Ssemakadde reassured the public that the ULS is dedicated to ensuring fairness, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law in addressing the case. He promised that the Law Society would issue a comprehensive statement following its investigations, shedding light on both the specifics of Kiiza’s imprisonment and the broader implications for Uganda’s justice system.
