The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders condemned the Ugandan government Wednesday for the arrest, torture, and judicial harassment of human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza.
Kiiza was arrested on January 7, at the General Court Martial in Makindye township while representing his client, opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye. Besigye, a former presidential candidate and retired colonel, faces charges alongside his aide Haji Obeid Lutale for security offenses and unlawful possession of firearms. These charges have been criticized for violating fair trial standards as both are civilians being tried in a military tribunal.
Kiiza was reportedly denied access to his client during court proceedings. Following a heated exchange with military personnel, he was violently arrested, manhandled and detained in the dock alongside his clients. He was subsequently removed from the courtroom and detained in a holding cell, where he was subjected to severe torture. Afterwards, he was convicted of contempt of court and sentenced to nine months in Kitalya Government Prison without being formally charged or afforded the right to legal representation.
Human rights organizations argue that his conviction violates Articles 23, 28, and 44 of the Uganda Constitution, as well as multiple international human rights instruments, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the UN Convention Against Torture.
The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) and Lawyers for Lawyers (L4L), issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over Kiiza’s conviction. They emphasize that his persecution undermines the principles of the UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers, which guarantee lawyers the right to perform their professional duties without intimidation or interference.

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