Besigye lawyer arrest: Uganda Law Society to meet Chief Justice

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has expressed deep concern over the arrest and nine-month imprisonment of Advocate Eron Kiiza by the General Court Martial in Makindye. 

Kiiza, who was representing Dr Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya in a firearms-related case, was convicted for contempt of court under controversial circumstances, prompting the ULS to launch fact-finding missions and engage with top legal authorities.

Kiiza’s arrest and swift sentencing without the opportunity to defend himself or mitigate charges have raised serious questions about the fairness of the General Court Martial’s procedures. 

The court, chaired by Brig Robert Freeman Mugabe, alleged that Kiiza had confronted court orderlies and disrupted proceedings by banging on metal surfaces and shouting. 

Within two minutes of being placed in the dock, Kiiza was handed a nine-month sentence to be served at Kitalya Government Prison.

Lawyers Erias Lukwago and Fredrick Mpanga protested the court’s decision, arguing that even in cases of contempt, an individual has the right to a fair hearing. 

However, the court declared itself functus officio, stating it could not reverse its ruling.

In a statement issued on 8 January 2025, ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde announced the society’s plans to conduct three fact-finding missions in response to Kiiza’s detention. 

The first delegation will visit Kitalya Government Prison to investigate the circumstances surrounding Kiiza’s incarceration and explore possible remedies.

A second delegation will engage with the General Court Martial, holding consultations with Senior Counsel Martha Karua and Advocate Erias Lukwago, who are also part of the defence team for Besigye and Kamulegeya.

The third team will meet with Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo to discuss the implications of Kiiza’s arrest and seek an expedited Supreme Court ruling on the case of Attorney General vs Michael Kabaziguruka, which questions the jurisdiction of military courts over civilians.

The ULS expressed concern about the broader implications of Kiiza’s arrest on the administration of justice in Uganda. 

“While we maintain our respect for ongoing legal processes, the Uganda Law Society remains steadfast in its duty to represent, protect, and assist members of the legal profession,” the statement read.

The ULS plans to issue a comprehensive statement following its consultations, addressing the specific circumstances of Kiiza’s case and its impact on the legal community.