Drama in court as Ugandan lawyer jailed for nine months during Besigye trial
The incident occurred as Kiiza attempted to take a seat designated for lawyers before the delayed court session at the Kampala-based court martial.
A Ugandan military court has sentenced lawyer Eron Kiiza, one of over 30 lawyers representing opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye and his aide Obeid Lutale, to nine months in Kitalya Prison for contempt of court.
Kiiza’s sentencing took place on Tuesday amid dramatic courtroom scenes, despite him not facing formal charges.
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The incident occurred as Kiiza attempted to take a seat designated for lawyers before the delayed court session at the Kampala-based court martial.
His arrest and subsequent sentencing have prompted Besigye’s defence team, led by Kenya’s former justice minister Martha Karua and Kampala Mayor Erias Lukwago, to halt proceedings in protest.
Karua, addressing the court chaired by Brigadier Freeman Mugabe, explained that the defence team could not continue with one of their lawyers missing.
“We have been able to confirm with our clients. They would like to proceed with all lawyers present, including Kiiza,” Karua said.
Prosecutor Colonel Raphael Mugisha objected to the defence’s stance, suggesting that the court pursue charges against Kiiza. However, Lukwago urged the court to address the lawyer’s detention first, questioning the grounds for his arrest.
Following a brief adjournment, Brigadier Mugabe upheld the sentence against Kiiza without elaborating on the contempt charges.
As the case resumes, Besigye and Lutale are set to return to court on January 13. They face charges related to security concerns and the alleged unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, offences prohibited under Ugandan law.
The case has garnered international attention, with many viewing the legal proceedings as a critical test of Uganda’s commitment to regional legal standards and human rights.
The State claims the offences occurred in multiple locations, including Nairobi, Athens, Greece, and Geneva, Switzerland, between October 2023 and November 2024.
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