In Uganda, human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza faces shocking allegations of arbitrary detention and torture after being arrested on January 7, 2025. While entering the General Court Martial, he was violently detained by a soldier and taken to an undisclosed location where he was beaten. Minutes later, the military court convicted him of “contempt of court” and handed him an unjust nine-month prison sentence without legal representation, contravening Ugandan law and international standards for due process.
Following his wrongful conviction, Kiiza was transferred to Kitalya Government prison, where colleagues reported visible signs of torture. His body bore the marks of brutality, with swollen joints and visible injuries. These acts of violence against Kiiza are seen as a blatant attempt to silence his advocacy for human rights and the rule of law in Uganda.
The Observatory has condemned these actions as part of a disturbing trend of targeting human rights defenders in Uganda, noted by the United Nations Human Rights Committee in its 2023 observations. They highlight the urgent need for the Ugandan government to cease judicial harassment and intimidation against individuals like Kiiza, who strive to protect fundamental rights.
Authorities in Uganda are being urged to release Kiiza immediately and ensure that he is protected from further harm. The call extends to investigating the torture allegations against him and holding accountable those responsible, aligning with international human rights standards. Additionally, it’s essential that all lawyers operate free from fear and intimidation.
The Observatory emphasizes the importance of creating a safe environment for human rights defenders, allowing them to perform their duties without interference. This situation underscores the crucial need for systemic changes within Uganda to uphold the rights of those who advocate for justice and accountability. Everyone’s right to fair legal representation must be respected without fear of reprisal or unlawful detention.
Eron Kiiza, a Ugandan human rights lawyer, was arrested and tortured after defending political opponents in court. Convicted of contempt without representation, he received a nine-month sentence, violating legal standards. Reports of abuse in custody prompted urgent calls for his release and protection for human rights defenders. The Observatory condemned this as part of a troubling trend of state harassment of professionals advocating for justice.
Eron Kiiza’s wrongful arrest and torture highlight an alarming trend of judicial harassment aimed at silencing human rights advocates in Uganda. The call for his immediate release and protection reflects the urgent need for the Ugandan authorities to uphold the rule of law and respect for human rights. The international community must stand in solidarity with those like Kiiza, ensuring that their voices are not drowned out by oppression.
Eron Kiiza’s case is not an isolated incident but rather reflects a broader climate of repression faced by lawyers and human rights defenders in Uganda. His commitment to advocating for those in public interest cases puts him at odds with security forces and government officials who seek to suppress dissent. The allegations of torture and arbitrary detention point to a concerning disregard for legal norms and human rights in the country.
Original Source: www.fidh.org
