Lawyers for Lawyers (L4L) and the International Bar Association Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) strongly condemn the arrest, mistreatment, and summary conviction of Ugandan human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza by the General Court Martial on 7 January 2025.
Eron Kiiza, an advocate for justice and human rights, was arrested while defending his client, Dr. Kizza Besigye, a prominent opposition leader, in a high-profile case already criticized internationally for fair trial violations. Despite his critical role as a legal representative, Mr. Kiiza was blocked from accessing the courtroom, violently arrested, and subjected to inhuman treatment, including severe physical abuse, before being summarily convicted of contempt of court. He now faces nine months of imprisonment at Kitalya Government Prison.
The actions of the General Court Martial, a military tribunal, raise grave concerns as to violations of Mr. Kiiza’s rights to liberty, legal representation, and fair trial as enshrined in the Ugandan Constitution, the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights, and international treaties such as the UN Convention Against Torture. These violations not only jeopardize his personal dignity but also undermine the independence of the legal profession and the rule of law in Uganda.
This case raises critical questions about the persecution of lawyers for their professional duties, as highlighted by the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers; principles 16, 18, 19, 23, and 27. These principles affirm that lawyers must be free from harassment or intimidation and cannot be identified with their clients’ causes.
L4L and IBAHRI:
- Call for an immediate review of Advocate Kiiza’s arrest, conviction, and sentence in accordance with fair trial standards;
- Urge the Ugandan judiciary to uphold the rule of law and respect international legal norms in subsequent proceedings;
- Stand in solidarity with those peacefully protesting against Advocate Kiiza’s unjust treatment and call on authorities to respect their right to protest;
- Demand the swift resolution of legal challenges surrounding the trial of civilians in military tribunals, in alignment with constitutional and international law.
The legal profession must remain a pillar of justice, free from interference or retaliation. L4L and IBAHRI stand united in support of Advocate Eron Kiiza and all those fighting to defend the rule of law and fundamental rights in Uganda.
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