KIIZA ERON GRANTED BAIL
Kampala, Uganda – April 4, 2025 — Justice Michael Elubu of the High Court has granted human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza bail pending appeal.
The decision follows a wave of public concern and legal debate surrounding his detention by the General Court Martial.
Under the terms of the bail, Kiiza is required to pay a cash bond of Shs 20 million.
His sureties were each bonded at Shs 50 million, non-cash.
Additionally, Kiiza must report to the Registrar of the High Court on the first Monday of every month, and he has been ordered to deposit his passport with the court to restrict travel without permission.
Detention
Eron Kiiza, a prominent advocate and vocal defender of civil liberties, was arrested and convicted for contempt of court while representing opposition figures Rtd. Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye and Haji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya before the General Court Martial (GCM) earlier this year.
He was sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment at Kitalya Mini Max Prison, a decision that triggered national and international outcry.
Kiiza challenged the legality of his conviction before the Court Martial Appeal Court (CMAC), arguing that the military tribunal lacked jurisdiction to try a civilian.
His legal team referenced a landmark Supreme Court ruling in Attorney General v Hon. Michael Kabaziguruka (2025), which held that military courts are not independent and impartial enough to try civilians, thereby rendering such proceedings unconstitutional.
In a separate but related development, Kiiza also sought relief through a habeas corpus application, which was dismissed by Justice Dr. Douglas Singiza of the Civil Division on grounds that the motion was procedurally flawed and that the matter would be better addressed through judicial review or criminal appeal channels.
The High Court’s decision to grant bail is seen by many legal analysts as a partial victory for constitutionalism and the rule of law in Uganda.
It underscores the increasing scrutiny over the role of military courts in handling civilian cases, especially in politically sensitive contexts.
Human rights organizations have welcomed the bail decision and reiterated calls for judicial independence and protection of legal practitioners from politically motivated harassment.
Next Steps
Kiiza’s appeal against the conviction remains pending before the relevant appellate court. Legal experts anticipate that the outcome of his case could set important legal precedents on the limits of military court jurisdiction and the rights of advocates in Uganda.
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