Embattled City lawyer, Eron Kiiza has been further remanded to Kitalya Prison until March 3, 2025 following the attorney general’s failure to respond to some of the submissions made by his lawyers.
Kiiza, who doubles as Besigye’s lawyer appeared at the Civil Division of the High Court on February 25, 2025, where he seeks release from Kitalya prison after a unanimous Supreme Court decision which abolished the trial of civilians in the General Court Martial.
Two of Kiiza’s legal representatives George Musisi and Kato Tumusiime, stated that judge Douglas Singiza informed them that the ruling would be delivered in the same manner as the recent habeas corpus application ruling for Dr Kizza Besigye, which was sent via email.
“Judge Singiza stated that the rulings could be delivered electronically, referencing a similar approach taken in other high-profile cases which has highlighted Kiiza’s denial of a fair hearing and allegations of torture while in custody and during his trial, ”Musisi said.
Musisi further stated that, the Attorney General is yet to provide a detailed response to these claims, leading to delays in the court process of kiiza and challenging a nine-month sentence handed down by the military court on January 7, 2025, on grounds that it is illegal.
On January 7, 2025, Eron Kiiza was arrested during a session at the General Court Martial in Makindye. He was accused of contempt of court after a confrontation with soldiers who barred him from accessing the courtroom where he was representing political opposition figures Dr Kizza Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale.
Kiiza was convicted the same day and sentenced to nine months in prison without being allowed to defend himself or have legal representation. His conviction has been widely criticized as unconstitutional and a violation of due process.
Following a Supreme Court ruling that declared military courts unconstitutional for trying civilians, Kiiza’s case was transferred to the High Court for review. His lawyers argue that his continued detention is unlawful and violates his constitutional rights.
On February 25, 2025, Judge Douglas Singiza postponed the ruling, citing incomplete submissions from the Attorney General’s office. The decision will now be delivered on March 3, 2025.
