KAMPALA, Uganda | The General Court Martial has sentenced lawyer Eron Kiiza to nine months in Kitalya Government Prison after finding him guilty of contempt of court. The sentencing stemmed from his conduct during a hearing involving his clients, Dr. Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutaale Kamulegeya, who are facing charges of illegal possession of firearms.

According to court proceedings, Kiiza was accused of disrupting the session by confronting a court orderly, banging on metal surfaces, and shouting in protest. Despite warnings, he continued, leading the court, chaired by Brigadier Robert Freeman Mugabe, to impose the sentence without allowing him an opportunity for defense or mitigation.

Following Kiiza’s sentencing, the remaining 32 defense lawyers representing Besigye and Kamulegeya declined to proceed with the case, citing concerns over the right to a fair trial. The lawyers emphasized that the absence of their colleague undermined their ability to continue providing adequate representation for the accused.

The incident involving Kiiza is not the first time Uganda’s military courts have sentenced lawyers for contempt. In 2004, lawyers Erias Lukwago and Caleb Alaka faced similar charges during another case involving Dr. Kizza Besigye. Both were fined but avoided imprisonment. In 2018, lawyer Jimmy Muyanja was indefinitely suspended from the General Court Martial for alleged misconduct.

Kiiza’s sentencing has drawn attention to the challenges defense lawyers face when representing clients in military courts. These courts, which operate under military law, have been criticized for their handling of civilian cases, particularly those involving high-profile or politically sensitive matters.

As the legal fraternity reacts to this development, discussions continue regarding the balance between maintaining courtroom decorum and ensuring fair trial rights for both lawyers and their clients.