National News

High Court Dismisses Jailed Lawyer Eron Kiiza’s Application for Release

The High Court in Kampala has dismissed an application by jailed lawyer Eron Kiiza, who sought release from prison following the Supreme Court’s decision barring the trial of civilians in military courts.

Kiiza’s lawyers, led by constitutional law expert Peter Walubiri, had sought his unconditional release, arguing that his trial was before a court lacking jurisdiction under the Supreme Court’s ruling. Walubiri contended that nullified military court proceedings should have retrospective effects, citing past cases such as Dr. Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale.

However, Senior State Attorney Johnson Natuhwera, representing the Attorney General, countered that the Court Martial remains operational under the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Act. Natuhwera stated that Kiiza’s conviction for contempt under Section 169(i)(g) of the UPDF Act was valid, with the Supreme Court offering only advisory guidance, not an abolition of military courts.

The State Attorney further argued that Kiiza’s appeal was ongoing, and his release was not warranted. He also noted that the Attorney General was wrongly sued, as the matter was criminal, not civil.

Presiding Judge Douglas Singiza ruled that Kiiza’s application was improperly filed before the Civil Division, as he had already appealed to the Court Martial Appeals Court. Singiza emphasized that the High Court’s jurisdiction was limited in this matter, and Kiiza had not followed the correct procedure for seeking his release from the Court Martial.

Ultimately, Kiiza’s application was dismissed with no order as to costs. Kiiza was convicted by the General Court Martial on January 9, 2025, while representing Dr. Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya in a case that has since been upgraded to treason.

Related posts

Toxicology Results Rule Out Poisoning in Sudden Death of Martha Ahumuza Murari Investigation Continues

Barbra Zeka

Kampala Lawyer Remanded Over Shs 200 Million Fraud Allegation

Barbra Zeka

POLITICS: Kyagulanyi’s Actions Might End Up In Favour Of Mpuuga.

admin

HEALTH: FACTS ABOUT LEMON.

admin

Land Commissioner Mugaino Arrested in Major Corruption Scandal

Barbra Zeka

Delegation Of Buganda Decision Makers Meets Kabaka in Namibia As Speculations For a New Katikkiro Heats Up..

Dean Lubowa Saava

What Would Be The Cause Of The Rampant Attacks On Kampala Streets?

Dean Lubowa Saava

Inside KCCA Minister Kabanda’s Battle To Save Assistant Who Was Detained In Canada On Human Trafficking And Fraud Allegations.

admin

NAM CONFERENCE: FROM ENTEBBE AIRPORT TO MUNYONYO, SECURITY HAS BEEN TIGHTENED UP.

Dean Lubowa Saava

DP Names Kasacca as Flag Bearer Amidst Fierce Competition

Barbra Zeka

Leave a Comment