Lawyer Eron Kiiza Sentenced to Nine Months by Military Court in Controversial Trial

By : Bwire Jonathan ; The crown media East Africa

In a swift and highly controversial decision, the General Court Martial chaired by Brigadier Robert Freeman Mugabe sentenced Eron Kiiza, a leading human rights lawyer, to nine months in prison on Monday. The proceedings, which reportedly lasted less than two minutes, denied Kiiza the opportunity to defend himself or hear the charges against him.

Kiiza, best known for representing opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye, was taken into custody during a tense courtroom session in Kampala. The incident occurred as Kiiza attempted to join the defense team for Besigye and his aide, Obeid Lutale, who are accused of security-related offenses, including illegal possession of firearms.

Witnesses claim that a soldier barred Kiiza from accessing the defense bench, leading to a heated exchange. Moments later, Kiiza was forcibly detained, placed in the dock alongside his clients, and summarily sentenced.

Legal Fraternity Outraged

The abrupt sentencing has sparked outrage within Uganda’s legal community. Erias Lukwago, a fellow defense lawyer, condemned the court’s actions, stating, “This is not how justice is served. The court has shown utter disregard for due process and legal principles.”

The Uganda Law Society has yet to issue an official statement, but prominent lawyers and human rights advocates have already raised alarms about the implications of this decision. Critics argue that such actions erode the independence of the judiciary and undermine the rule of law in Uganda.

A Pattern of Suppression?

This latest development adds to a growing list of incidents involving the General Court Martial and opposition figures. Analysts say the case highlights increasing efforts to stifle dissent through judicial means. Dr. Besigye, a staunch critic of the government, has faced numerous legal battles over the years, with his supporters often claiming political motives behind the charges.

International Attention

Human rights organizations are expected to weigh in on the case, which they view as part of a broader crackdown on lawyers and activists defending opposition voices. The speed and nature of Kiiza’s sentencing have drawn parallels to similar cases in Uganda’s recent history, where politically charged trials often bypass established legal norms.

As calls for justice mount, the spotlight is firmly on Uganda’s judiciary. For now, Eron Kiiza’s sudden imprisonment raises troubling questions about the state of legal rights and freedoms in the country.

Comments

Beyond Regime Change: Why Africa Needs a Mindset Revolution

OPINION: Africa Must Move Beyond Regime Change Politics By Ouma Patrick, Aspiring Member of Parliament – Samia Bugwe Central Crown Media East Africa For decades, African politics has been trapped in a single, loud narrative: regime change. Citizens are told that their problems — poverty, unemployment, corruption, weak services — will magically disappear once a new group of leaders replaces the old. But Africa’s experience shows a harsher truth: regime change alone does not deliver transformation. Across the continent, opposition leaders gain popularity by condemning the failures of sitting governments. Yet once some of them enter the same systems they criticized — appointed to high offices, given access to state resources, or absorbed into government structures — they often become part of the elite they once fought. Their lives change; the lives of ordinary citizens do not. This political cycle has produced a troubling dependency mindset. Citizens have been conditioned to wait fo...

The Philosophy of Power: Rethinking Uganda’s 2026 Elections

By Ouma Patrick Aspiring Member of Parliament, Samia Bugwe Central For Crown Media East Africa As Uganda approaches the 2026 general elections, the nation once again stands at a crossroads—one familiar yet never identical to those before it. Politics in our land has never been a mere contest of ballots; it has always been a test of consciousness, a reflection of who we are, what we value, and what future we dare to imagine. To understand 2026, we must rise beyond the noise of rallies and slogans and interrogate the deeper forces shaping our democracy. 1. The Illusion of Choice vs. the Reality of Power Elections often present themselves as moments of choice. Yet in countries where state machinery heavily influences the electoral landscape, the ballot becomes less of a decision and more of a ritual. Uganda’s political terrain has long been defined by a central paradox: citizens are told they have power, yet the architecture of power often operates beyond their reach. Philosophers r...

UPDF and China Sign New Bilateral Military Agreement

By: Bwire Jonathan The crown media East Africa UPDF and China Sign New Bilateral Military Agreement Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba , has concluded high-level talks with his Chinese counterpart, Gen. Liu Zhenli , resulting in the signing of a new bilateral military agreement. The deal aims to strengthen cooperation in defence training , technology transfer , and strategic coordination . It marks another step in the long-standing partnership between Kampala and Beijing , while also reflecting China’s expanding role in Africa’s security affairs . For Uganda, the agreement comes at a time when the UPDF is pushing for modernization and greater regional influence. Improved access to Chinese military expertise and equipment is expected to enhance Uganda’s operational readiness in peacekeeping missions , counter-terrorism efforts , and border security operations. Locally, defence analysts point out that the pact could ...

The crown 👑

Search This Blog