The General Court Martial sentenced lawyer Eron Kiiza to nine months in prison for what it termed as “gross professional misconduct.”
Activist lawyer Kiiza Eron was found guilty of contempt of court and sentenced to nine months in Kitalya Government Prison in a ruling delivered by Brig. Gen. Robert Freeman Mugabe, which followed a series of alleged misconduct incidents during court proceedings in Case No. UPDF/GCM/040/2024.
Advocate Kiiza Eron, who was representing Col. (Rtd) Dr. Kiiza Besigye and another defendant, first came under scrutiny on December 10, 2024. During that session, he was warned for what the court described as “gross professional misconduct,” which was deemed contemptuous.
Even after being cautioned and educated on relevant laws governing courtroom decorum, Eron’s behavior vividly escalated during subsequent appearances.
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On January 7, 2025, upon entering the courtroom, Kiiza Eron allegedly confronted a court orderly who was guiding him to his designated seat. Witnesses say the confrontation turned physical, with the lawyer reportedly assaulting the orderly and banging on the metal angle bars at the courtroom entrance.
The presiding judge, Brig. Gen. Mugabe, intervened by issuing a warning to Eron only for the latter to escalate. The situation deteriorated further when Eron continued to disrupt proceedings, accompanied by cheers from the audience in the courtroom. The court deemed his actions not only disruptive but also an affront to its authority
According to the Court Martial Chairman, General Freeman Mugabe, Mr. Kiiza had overstretched the court’s generosity and had been previously warned about his conduct.
“The court will handle Eron Kiiza after the proceedings,” said Mugabe during the chaotic session. “Please, the court must remain silent and respectful,” he added.
He further cautioned the courtroom to remain silent and respectful.
Later on, Defence lawyer Erias Lukwago raised concerns about the court’s conduct.
“Don’t conduct this as an LC (Local Council) court. You seem to be acting on the orders of the judge advocate. This court is subject to law. Do we have a right of audience?” Lukwago lashed out.
In response, Judge Advocate Brigadier-General Richard Tukacungurwa reminded the defence of his authority. “I am mandated to advise the court on all matters of law… This court is not a tribunal, and to refer to it as such is contempt of court.”
Mr. Samuel Muyizi, another defence lawyer, alleged that Mr. Kiiza had been tortured during the break and that his arm was dislocated.
“He said they [military personnel] had [attempted to] strangle him,” Mr. Muyizi said.
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