Prominent human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza has filed an application before the High Court in Kampala, seeking the urgent release of his passport to facilitate medical travel abroad.
Kiiza, who was granted bail in April after spending 86 days in Kitalya Prison, had surrendered his passport as part of stringent bail conditions issued by Justice Michael Elubu. The bail terms also included a Shs 20 million cash bond, two sureties each bonded at Shs 50 million, and a requirement to report monthly to the criminal registrar.
In the application lodged with the Criminal Division on Friday, Kiiza argues that the prolonged retention of his passport number AA541257 infringes on his constitutional rights, particularly access to health care, freedom of movement, and personal dignity.
He explains in his affidavit that he needs to travel to Costa Rica in early July for medical attention and recuperation, having suffered trauma related to his detention and prosecution. Despite writing to the court twice on April 24 and May 7 seeking the release of the passport, Kiiza says he only received guidance on June 12 from Deputy Registrar Samuel Twakyire to file a formal application.
“The withholding of my passport has worsened my physical and emotional distress,” Kiiza stated, calling the alternative use of temporary East African travel permits “restrictive and unfit for professional obligations abroad.”
Kiiza was arrested on January 7, 2025, by military officers while attempting to represent opposition figures Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale at the then-operational General Court Martial. He was later convicted in absentia after being denied access to his clients a process he has since challenged as unconstitutional.
The Attorney General, represented by the DPP, is the sole respondent. The High Court is yet to schedule a hearing for the matter.
