Law of the jungle? Court jails Besigye lawyer for 9 months without charge
Lawyer Eron Kiiza after his arrest in the courtroom on January 7, 2025.
One of the over 30 lawyers representing Dr Kizza Besigye and his aide Obeid Lutale has been jailed by a Ugandan military court, despite not being formally charged.
Lawyer Eron Kiiza was swiftly sentenced to nine months in Kitalya Prison for contempt of court on Tuesday.
He was arrested inside the courtroom amid chaotic scenes as he tried to take a seat reserved for lawyers, ahead of a delayed session at the Kampala-based court martial.
Following his sentencing, Besigye's defence lawyers — led by Kenya’s former justice minister Martha Karua and Kampala Mayor Erias Lukwago — said they will not carry on with the case minus Kiiza.
The court allowed defence lawyers a 15-minute break to consult their clients on the issue of legal representation, after which Karua said they “were unable to proceed with one of them missing.”
"We have been able to confirm with our clients. They would like to proceed with all lawyers present including Kiiza," Karua told court chaired by Brig Freeman Mugabe.
Prosecution led by Col Raphael Mugisha objected to the defence lawyers’ submissions, seeking a charge against Kiiza.
However, Lukwago asked court to first deal with one matter at a go- and to include the fate of Kiiza. Lukwago insisted that they wanted to know the offense Kiiza had committed leading to his swift detention.
Lukwago's demands were followed by a 15-minute adjournment after which Brig Mugabe swiftly pronounced the military court's decision against Kiiza.
Meanwhile, Brig Mugabe ruled that Besigye and Lutale will return to the court on January 13 for further mention.
The 4-time presidential candidate and his aide face charges related to security and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, contrary to the Ugandan law.
