Nyanjura Visits Kitalya Prison, Raises Alarm Over Torture of Lawyer Kiiza

Eron Kiiza, who is being held as prisoner No.002/25, is reportedly in severe pain, with visible injuries and swelling allegedly inflicted during his detention.

Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura and former FDC Women's League Chairperson Ingrid Turinawe have raised concerns over the condition of prominent lawyer and environmental activist Eron Kiiza, following their visit to Kitalya Maximum Prison.

Mr Kiiza, who is being held as prisoner No.002/25, is reportedly in severe pain, with visible injuries and swelling allegedly inflicted during his detention.

In a post shared on her X social media account, Ms Nyanjura described Mr Kiiza's condition as alarming, noting that he has severe pain in his ribs, waist, and neck.

His left ear is swollen, and his body is covered in bruises, she said.

The visiting duo said Kiiza revealed that he was brutally assaulted in detention cells at the Court Martial and was left gasping for breath during the ordeal.

"We thank God he is alive," Nyanjura said, adding that they are praying for Mr Kiiza to be allowed a medical examination by a private, independent, and trusted medical team.

Despite the grim report, Ms Nyanjura noted a silver lining during their visit.

"On a positive note, we found a plethora of lawyers and environmental activists checking on him. This solidarity is encouraging," she wrote, commending the collective support shown to Kiiza by his colleagues and advocates.

Mr Kiiza has been an outspoken critic of government policies he perceives as harmful to the environment and human rights.

His controversial sentence has sparked widespread concern among civil society groups and legal practitioners, who are calling for transparency in the proceedings against him and for his safety while in custody.

Though the allegations point to torture in the cells at the Court Martial, Deputy Defence Public Information Officer Deo Akiiki referred the Nile Post reporter to the Prisons for clarification.

When contacted, Prisons Spokesperson Frank Baine told this reporter that Mr Kiiza is not in any danger and that the prisons are ready to keep him until his sentence is over.

He added that prisons are keeping him as they received him, and in case of any need for treatment, there are facilities that cater for that.