The arrest, detention, and alleged torture of Ugandan human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza have sparked significant condemnation from international human rights organizations. According to The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, these actions by the Ugandan government represent grave violations of fundamental legal and human rights principles.
Kiiza was apprehended on January 7 at the General Court Martial in Makindye township. He was there in his professional capacity, defending opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, who, alongside his aide Haji Obeid Lutale, is facing charges tied to security offenses. The decision to try these civilians in a military court has been criticized for contravening fair trial standards.
The circumstances of Kiiza’s arrest involved a contentious exchange with military personnel during a court session, culminating in his violent removal and subsequent detention. Reports allege that he suffered severe torture while in custody and was later convicted of contempt of court. Kiiza was sentenced to nine months in Kitalya Government Prison without formal charges or access to legal representation, contrary to protections under Article 28 of the Ugandan Constitution and international human rights agreements such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the UN Convention Against Torture.
In response, the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) and Lawyers for Lawyers (L4L) have publicly voiced their concern, highlighting how such persecution endangers the established UN Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers. These principles ensure that legal professionals can perform their duties without undue interference.
The incident is part of a broader pattern of arbitrary arrests and judicial harassment noted in the 2023 UN Human Rights Committee’s review of Uganda. The Observatory has urged Ugandan authorities to immediately release Kiiza, annul his conviction, and investigate the torture allegations, pressing for the protection and independence of the judiciary, consistent with fair trial guarantees.