Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Jane Frances Abodo, has objected to the bail application of detained lawyer Eron Kiiza, citing the gravity of the offense for which he was convicted. Kiiza, who was sentenced to nine months in prison by the General Court Martial on January 7, 2025, is seeking temporary release as he appeals his conviction.
Kiiza, a well-known human rights lawyer, was found guilty of contempt of court during proceedings in which he was representing opposition figures Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale. His defense team argues that he was unfairly treated and subjected to physical assault before his conviction.
In his bail application, Kiiza emphasized his strong community ties, stating that he resides in Central Kiwatule Zone, Nakawa Division, Kampala. He presented three individuals as sureties: his wife Sylvia Tumwebaze, an archives and data manager at Hima Cement, along with lawyers Dr. Busingye Kabumba, a law lecturer at Makerere University, and Primah Kwagala, executive director of the Women’s Probono Initiative.
Kiiza further noted that he is a father of three young children, aged between four and ten.