The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has broken its silence on the nine-month contempt imprisonment of Opposition leader Kiza Besigye's lawyer Eron Kiiza by the General Court Martial at Makindye.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the ULS, while avoiding running commentary on active cases, acknowledged the significant public interest in Kiiza’s incarceration.
The ULS expressed its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring fair judicial processes.
"The Uganda Law Society remains steadfast in its duty to represent, protect, and assist members of the legal profession in Uganda, as enshrined in Section 3(c) of the Uganda Law Society Act, Cap 305," the statement read in part.
As part of its response to Kiiza’s case, the Society announced plans to undertake three separate fact-finding missions today (Wednesday).
The ULS said the first delegation will visit Advocate Kiiza at Kitalya Government Prison to understand the circumstances surrounding his incarceration and explore potential remedies.
At the same time, a second team will engage with the General Court Martial and consult with Senior Counsel Martha Karua and Advocate Erias Lukwago.
The Society said a third delegation will meet with Chief Justice Alfonse Chigamoy Owiny-Dollo to urge for the expeditious delivery of the Supreme Court's judgment in the high-profile case Attorney General vs Michael Kabaziguruka, which has direct implications on the jurisdiction of military courts over civilians.
The consultations are part of the ULS’s broader efforts to safeguard the rights and conditions of legal professionals in Uganda.
The Society emphasised that, after conducting thorough reviews of Kiiza’s situation, a comprehensive statement addressing both the specific case and its broader implications for justice in Uganda will be released.
The ULS reiterated its respect for ongoing legal processes but highlighted its unwavering commitment to ensuring that justice is upheld and that the rights of legal practitioners are not compromised.
Kiiza, one of the lawyers representing opposition leader Kizza Besigye and his aide Obeid Lutale, was sentenced on Tuesday amid the court drama which had ensued earlier in the day.
The incident occurred as Kiiza attempted to take a seat designated for lawyers before the delayed court session at the court martial.
Chaos erupted when an orderly refused to admit the defence lawyer into the bar, prompting Kiiza to shout at the orderly, demanding entry.
The military court did not allow Kiiza to defend himself, nor were the charges read to him.
Kiiza was not allowed any time for mitigation.
