The High Court in Kampala has directed lawyers representing jailed lawyer Eron Kiiza to submit written arguments by Thursday, February 20, 2025, as part of his application for release. Kiiza is currently serving a nine-month prison sentence.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Civil Division Judge Dr. Douglas Singiza ordered both the Attorney General and the Commissioner for Prisons to respond to Kiiza’s legal team by the end of the day, allowing Kiiza’s lawyers until the following day to file their replies.
“Please ensure that you submit your responses on time. We will consider the matter carefully and likely issue a ruling soon after,” Judge Singiza stated.
Kiiza’s legal team—comprising Kiiza & Mugisha Company Advocates and Arinaitwe Peter & Company Advocates—is challenging the legality of the court martial’s decision to convict and imprison him.
They argue that trying a civilian in a military court was unconstitutional and violated his right to a fair hearing.
Kiiza, a lawyer for detained opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, was convicted in January 2025 for contempt of court and sentenced to nine months in prison.
His lawyers cite a Supreme Court ruling on January 31, 2025, which declared that courts martial lack jurisdiction over civilians.
“The trial by the court martial was illegal, and the sentence unconstitutional. Kiiza’s continued detention is a violation of his constitutional rights,” argued Arinaitwe Peter, one of his lawyers.
The legal team also faulted the Attorney General for failing to implement the Supreme Court ruling, which would have nullified Kiiza’s imprisonment.
Judge Singiza suggested consolidating Kiiza’s case with those of Dr. Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutaale, who are also challenging their detention. However, lawyers opposed the move, noting that Kiiza had already been convicted while Besigye and Lutaale had not.
“The matters are related but distinct. We believe it’s best they remain separate,” a lawyer said.
The hearing drew a packed courtroom, with prominent opposition figures in attendance, including National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), former Leader of Opposition Winnie Kiiza, and Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima.
Supporters held placards demanding the release of Kiiza and other political detainees, with one reading, “Where is my Dad?” a reference to a man reportedly abducted by security operatives.
Kiiza, appearing visibly thinner, was dressed in the same blue suit he wore at his January 2025 arrest. He was escorted back to Kitalya Mini Max Prison, where he will remain until the court delivers its ruling, expected by February 25, 2025.
Judge Singiza assured that a decision would be made soon.
“We will consider all submissions before delivering our ruling. I hope to resolve this case by the end of the month,” he concluded.
The case has drawn attention from local and international human rights groups, intensifying calls for the release of political detainees, particularly those linked to the opposition.