The High Court has scheduled April 4 as the date to deliver its decision on the bail application of detained lawyer Eron Kiiza.
Kiiza appeared before High Court Criminal Division Judge Michael Elubu for the hearing, where his legal team, led by Nicholas Opiyo, requested the court to rely on their written submissions rather than engaging in oral arguments. The prosecution, represented by senior state attorney Timothy Amerit, was also present.
During the session, Kiiza’s sureties were introduced in person. Among them was Anthony Asiimwe, vice president of the Uganda Law Society, who was newly added to the list. Other sureties included Kiiza’s wife, Sylvia Tumwebaze, an archives and data manager at Hima Cement, along with two lawyers Dr. Busingye Kabumba, a law lecturer at Makerere University, and Primah Kwagala, executive director of Women’s Probono Initiative.
Kiiza pleaded with the court to consider his responsibilities as a family man, highlighting that he has three young children, aged between four and ten, who depend on him. He also emphasized that his continued detention negatively impacts both his family and his legal practice, as he is the sole partner at Kiiza and Mugisha Company Advocates.
The prosecution questioned whether the sureties, some of whom live far from Kiiza’s residence, could effectively ensure his return for trial. In response, Opiyo stated that this concern had already been addressed in their affidavit.
Kiiza also reminded the court of his prolonged detention, stating, “My Lord, I have spent 76 days in illegal detention. I ask the court to put an end to this.”
Justice Elubu then set April 4 as the date to rule on the matter, coinciding with the scheduled court appearance of opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale, who are facing treason-related charges before the Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court.
Following the hearing, several lawyers and activists criticized the judiciary and government, citing unfair treatment of Kiiza and other individuals facing legal action. They also expressed concerns over the situation of Uganda Law Society president Isaac Ssemakadde, who has two outstanding arrest warrants—one from Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court for allegedly insulting the Director of Public Prosecutions, Justice Jane Frances Abodo, and another for contempt of court over social media comments about Justice Musa Ssekaana.
Kenyan lawyer and former justice minister Martha Karua condemned the ongoing legal battles against Ugandan lawyers, calling it an attack on the legal profession. “Who will stand for the rule of law when the legal fraternity is under threat?” she questioned.
Anthony Asiimwe, Uganda Law Society vice president, echoed these concerns, warning that the ongoing persecution of legal professionals could disrupt the country’s justice system. Sigano David, CEO of the East Africa Law Society, affirmed solidarity with Kiiza and vowed legal action against the Ugandan government if such practices continue.
Representatives from regional legal bodies, including the Kenyan Law Society and the Uganda Law Council, emphasized that they were closely monitoring the situation and urged the courts to uphold justice.
Several prominent figures, including Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, Deputy Mayor Doreen Nyanjura, veteran politician Wafula Oguttu, Members of Parliament, and various human rights activists, attended the court session, showing strong public interest in the case.
