KAMPALA – Prominent human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza returned to the High Court's Criminal Division today, seeking a ruling on his bail application after being detained for 76 days under controversial circumstances.
Kiiza, known for his representation of opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye, has been incarcerated since last year after being sentenced by the now-nullified General Court Martial for contempt of court.
His detention has sparked widespread criticism from legal experts and human rights defenders, raising concerns over the fairness of the trial process.
During the hearing, Kiiza made an impassioned plea to presiding Judge Michael Elubu, stating, “My Lord, it is 76 days since I was illegally detained. I pray that you bring the illegal detention to an end.”
Kiiza appeared in court dressed in a checked navy-blue suit with the label "Eron Kiiza 002/25," a number that remains ambiguous in its meaning—whether it signifies a prison identification or a record of his convictions from the General Court Martial.
The calligraphy on the label, however, did not appear to be synonymous with the kinds of fonts stiff-collared institutions such as prisons are won't to use.
Senior counsel Nicholas Opiyo and George Musisi, along with other prominent lawyers, represented Kiiza in court.
The hearing also attracted high-profile figures, including Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, Kenyan politician and advocate Martha Karua, and Uganda Law Society Vice President Anthony Asiimwe.
Kiiza's case has been widely discussed, with ongoing debates on the legality of military trials for civilians, following the Supreme Court's January 31 ruling.
The ruling declared that military courts have no jurisdiction over civilian cases and that such trials should be moved to civil courts.
Kiiza’s legal team is hopeful that the High Court will grant him bail, arguing that his detention is unlawful and should come to an immediate end.
The outcome of this case is expected to set a significant precedent for legal representation and political cases in Uganda.
This is a developing story.
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