In a stunning turn of events, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) General Court Martial has sentenced Counsel Kiiza Eron, a prominent lawyer representing opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, to nine months in prison on charges of contempt of court. The decision, delivered on January 6, 2025, has drawn widespread criticism for its lack of due process and disregard for legal norms.
The military court session, chaired by Brigadier Robert Freeman Mugabe, was shockingly brief. In a hearing lasting less than two minutes, Kiiza was neither allowed to defend himself nor informed of the specific charges against him. Observers report that the judgment was hastily delivered at precisely 15:28 hours, with no opportunity for rebuttal or clarification.
Legal experts and human rights defenders have expressed outrage over what they describe as a travesty of justice. Critics have pointed out that the proceedings violated fundamental principles of the rule of law, including the right to a fair hearing as enshrined in Uganda’s Constitution.
“The speed and manner of this sentencing undermine the integrity of the judicial process,” said a lawyer close to the case who wished to remain anonymous. “It sets a dangerous precedent for justice in Uganda, especially when a legal practitioner defending political opponents is targeted in this way.”
The sentencing has sparked fresh debates about the role of the General Court Martial, which is often criticized for its jurisdictional overreach and its use as a tool for political suppression. The court has repeatedly been accused of adjudicating cases involving civilians, despite constitutional guarantees for such individuals to be tried in civilian courts.
Observers believe the move to jail Kiiza may be part of a broader campaign to stifle dissent and intimidate those representing opposition figures. Kiiza’s legal advocacy for Besigye and other government critics has made him a prominent figure in Uganda’s opposition landscape, making his sentencing particularly significant.
Calls for Accountability
National and international human rights organizations have already begun calling for the immediate review of Kiiza’s sentence and a comprehensive reform of the General Court Martial’s jurisdiction.
“This is not just an attack on one individual but an assault on Uganda’s entire justice system,” said a spokesperson for the Resurgence Network for Human Rights.
CMP Publications will continue monitoring the situation and reporting on the developments surrounding this controversial case.