Renowned Ugandan Lawyer Eron Kiiza Released on Bail After Nearly Three Months in Detention

Renowned human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza has been released on bail after spending nearly three months in detention. Kiiza, who is best known for his legal representation of opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, was granted bail following a decision by the General Court Martial.

Kiiza was sentenced to nine months in Kitalya Prison on January 7, 2025, for contempt of court. The case garnered significant attention due to Kiiza's high-profile role in advocating for human rights and his connections to political figures critical of the government.

The human rights lawyer was granted bail on the condition that he pays UGX 20 million, a sum that allowed him to secure his temporary release. The decision has been met with mixed reactions, with some hailing it as a sign of justice prevailing, while others remain concerned about the broader implications for political freedoms in Uganda.

Kiiza's legal team expressed their relief following the bail ruling and thanked his supporters for their continued efforts in seeking his release. Kiiza’s case has highlighted the growing challenges faced by political activists and lawyers in Uganda, particularly those involved in opposition politics.

While Kiiza’s release is a victory for his supporters, the case remains a focal point of ongoing debates about the independence of Uganda’s judiciary and the treatment of opposition figures in the country. His legal battles are expected to continue as the nation watches closely for further developments.

This marks the end of nearly three months of detention for Kiiza, who has remained a symbol of resistance for many within Uganda’s legal and political spheres.