The High Court in Kampala has directed lawyers representing detained lawyer Eron Kiiza to file written submissions in his bid for release from prison.

Kiiza is currently serving a nine-month sentence handed down by the General Court Martial. 

On Wednesday, the Civil Division Judge, Dr. Douglas Singiza instructed the Attorney General, the Commissioner for Prisons, and Kiiza’s legal team to submit their arguments by the close of business on Thursday, February 20, 2025 to help court determine whether to rule in favour of Kiiza’s release or uphold his conviction.

Judge Singiza also asked the parties to formally request a ruling date through the Judiciary’s Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS). However, he assured them that his decision on Kiiza’s case—as well as those of Dr. Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale—would be delivered not later than February 25, 2025. 

For now, the case has been adjourned, with the ruling expected on notice.

The judge initially suggested consolidating Kiiza’s case with that of Besigye and Lutale, since it arises from a similar set of facts but was objected by Kiiza’s lawyers stating that his case is distinct; he was convicted, unlike Dr. Besigye and Lutale.

Kiiza’s legal team, led by Kiiza & Mugisha Company Advocates and Arinaitwe Peter & Company Advocates, is demanding his unconditional release, arguing that the Court Martial had no authority to try Kiiza, a civilian in line with the Supreme Court ruling of January 31, 2025.

By Our Reporter

19 February 2025

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