By Our Reporter
Lawyer Eron Kiiza was granted bail on Friday by the High Court’s Criminal Division, after presenting substantial securities that guaranteed his return to court for an appeal. The judges acknowledged the strength of his case, suggesting that his appeal had a high likelihood of success.
Justice Michael Elubu ruled that Kiiza pay a cash bond of 20 million shillings, while also instructing his three sureties — his wife Sylvia Tumwebaze, cousin Dr. Kabumba Busingye, and friend Prima Kwagala — to execute a non-cash bond of 50 million shillings each. This ruling marks a significant turn in Kiiza’s legal journey, which saw him spending over 80 days in Kitalya prison after being sentenced to nine months for contempt of the General Court Martial.
Kiiza’s legal troubles began on January 7, 2025, when the General Court Martial found his conduct “unbecoming of an advocate” while defending clients accused of treason-related charges. Following the ruling, the court’s chairman, Brigadier Freeman Mugabe, ordered Kiiza’s immediate arrest and imprisonment.
However, the lawyer appealed the verdict, and his subsequent release on bail has sparked hope, particularly for civilians facing trial before military courts. The move signals the growing implementation of the Supreme Court’s landmark decision to bar the trial of non-soldiers in military courts, reinforcing the power of civil courts in handling cases involving civilians.
Kiiza’s case has now become emblematic of broader concerns about the rights of civilians in military courts. His appeal, and the High Court’s favorable stance, may set an important precedent for future cases.
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