The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has expressed concern and initiated action following the sentencing of Advocate Eron Kiiza to nine months in prison by the General Court Martial at Makindye. Kiiza’s imprisonment for contempt has raised questions about judicial processes and the treatment of legal practitioners, drawing significant public attention.
In a statement released today, ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde emphasized the society’s dedication to upholding the rule of law and ensuring fairness in judicial proceedings. While refraining from direct commentary on the ongoing case, the ULS acknowledged the urgency of addressing the matter due to its broader implications for justice in Uganda.
To this end, the ULS has planned three simultaneous fact-finding missions:
Visit to Kitalya Government Prison: A delegation will meet with Advocate Kiiza to assess the circumstances surrounding his incarceration and explore potential remedies for his release.
Engagement with the General Court Martial: Another team will consult with the military court and collaborate with Senior Counsel Martha Karua and Advocate Erias Lukwago to evaluate the case’s procedural integrity.
Meeting with the Chief Justice: A third delegation will hold discussions with Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo to demand an expedited ruling on the Supreme Court case of Attorney General vs. Michael Kabaziguruka. This case, which examines the jurisdiction of military courts over civilians, is seen as pivotal to understanding the legal foundation of Kiiza’s sentencing.
President Ssemakadde reaffirmed the ULS’s commitment to protecting legal practitioners and promoting justice. “We stand firm in our mandate to represent and assist our members, as provided under Section 3(c) of the Uganda Law Society Act. The outcome of this matter will have far-reaching implications for the legal profession and the broader administration of justice in Uganda.”
The ULS pledged to release a detailed report after its investigations, addressing both the specific circumstances of Kiiza’s case and its potential impact on judicial independence and accountability.
As Uganda watches closely, the legal fraternity and civil society await the ULS’s findings, which could set the tone for ongoing debates on military court jurisdiction and the protection of legal professionals in the country.