back to top
HomeBig StoryLawyer Eron Kiiza Released On Shs20 Million Cash Bail

Lawyer Eron Kiiza Released On Shs20 Million Cash Bail

Published on

- Advertisement -spot_img

High court judge Michael Elubu has released prominent human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza on bail as he awaits the outcome of his appeal against a controversial conviction by the General Court Martial.

The bail ruling, delivered this week, has been met with widespread relief from legal professionals and civil society groups, many of whom had raised concerns about the implications of Kiiza’s detention on the independence of the legal profession.

Under the bail conditions, Kiiza must deposit a Shs 20 million cash bond. His three sureties were bonded at Shs 50 million each, though they are not required to pay the amount upfront. In addition, he must report to the Registrar of the High Court on the first Monday of each month and has been ordered to surrender his passport, restricting any travel outside Uganda without court clearance.

Kiiza was arrested and jailed earlier this year after being found guilty of contempt of court while defending opposition politicians Dr. Kizza Besigye and Haji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya before the General Court Martial. He was sentenced to serve nine months at Kitalya Mini Max Prison, a decision that sparked both domestic and international criticism.

Kiiza’s legal team swiftly contested the conviction, arguing before the Court Martial Appeal Court that a military tribunal has no jurisdiction over civilians. Their argument leaned heavily on a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court in Attorney General v Michael Kabaziguruka (2025), which determined that military courts lack the impartiality required to try civilian cases, rendering such trials unconstitutional.

Efforts to secure Kiiza’s immediate release through a habeas corpus petition were unsuccessful, with Justice Dr. Douglas Singiza dismissing the application due to procedural technicalities. Nonetheless, legal experts note that the bail decision represents a step forward in holding state institutions accountable.

Observers have described Kiiza’s release as a litmus test for judicial independence in Uganda. Legal commentators and rights defenders see the High Court’s move as a reaffirmation of the constitutional limits of military authority and a recognition of the professional rights of legal practitioners.

Related

Mukono Residents Demand Accountability From Hon. Nsibwa Fred Kagwa Over Theatre Construction Funds At Nakifuma Health Centre III

Mukono residents are demanding accountability from Hon. Nsibwa Fred Kagwa, the Member of Parliament...

Shincheonji Taekwondo Team Wins Medals Again At International Competition, Shining On The Global Stage

At the 2025 Park Chung-hee Cup International Open Taekwondo Championships: 4 Gold, 7 Silver,...

Bebe Cool Reflects On Key Lessons From His Kenya and Dar es Salaam Media Tour

After two weeks in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam, promoting his Break the Chains...

Kadaga Dumps Namuganza As Allies Suffer Defeat In NRM Primaries

Veteran politician and First Deputy Prime Minister, Rt Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, appears to have...

More from The Capital Times

Business Boom In Namugongo Ahead Of Martyrs Day

Business has picked up this morning at Namugongo Martyrs shrine according to traders. The...

Minister Kasolo In Hot Soup Over Alleged Orungo Voter Attacks Accused Of Orchestrating Violence Fo Intimidate Opponents in NRM Primaries

A political storm is brewing in Orungo sub-county after shocking allegations emerged linking Uganda’s...

African contemporary singer Liboi pairs up with Kenyan producer Kayrop on new single “twende sote”

NAIROBI - JULY 11, 2025 — African contemporary singer Liboi has teamed up withKenyan...