The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Jane Frances Abodo has opposed the bail application of jailed lawyer Eron Kiiza, citing concerns over the nature of the charge against him.
Kiiza was found guilty of contempt of court and sentenced to nine months in prison by the General Court Martial chaired by Brigadier Robert Freeman Mugabe on January 7, 2025.
Three weeks ago, Kiiza applied for bail, arguing that he is a family man with a fixed residence at Central Kiwatule Zone, Kiwatule Ward, Nakawa Division, Kampala City, within the jurisdiction of the High Court.
He assured the court that he has three sound and substantial sureties willing to stand for him including his wife Sylvia Tumwebaze, the Archives and Data Manager at Hima Cement, Dr. Busingye Kabumba, a Lecturer of Law at Makerere University and Primah Kwagala, the Executive Director of Women’s Probono Initiative.
In response, Chief State Attorney Joseph Kyomuhendo, representing the DPP, argued through an affidavit that as an advocate, Kiiza should have upheld court decorum and conducted himself in a manner befitting his profession.
Kyomuhendo further contended that Kiiza had not demonstrated exceptional circumstances warranting bail and raised doubts about the credibility of his sureties.
Kiiza was convicted on January 7, 2025, when he appeared in court to represent Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutaale.
Last month, High Court Civil Division Judge Dr. Douglas Singinza dismissed a Habeas Corpus application filed by Kiiza, citing lack of jurisdiction and improper filing.
Kiiza’s bail application is scheduled to be heard by High Court Criminal Division Judge Michael Elubu on March 25, 2025.
By Charles Katabalwa
20th Mar,2025
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