Ugandan Lawyer Arrested and Tortured While Defending Opposition Leader

UGUganda|

Eron Kiiza, a human rights lawyer representing Ugandan opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye, has been arrested and reportedly tortured following his detention by military personnel on January 7. Kiiza was entering a military courtroom to advocate for Besigye and his aide Haji Obeid Lutale when he was seized, subsequently convicted of contempt of court, and sentenced to nine months in prison on the same day.

Reports from colleagues state that Kiiza displayed visible signs of abuse, including severe swelling on various parts of his body. Legal representatives who visited him in Kitalya prison cited routine violence against arrested individuals as a common practice within the Ugandan military justice system. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have condemned his sentencing and called for his immediate release, arguing that it violates Ugandan law and international human rights standards.

In response, a spokesperson for the Ugandan armed forces dismissed the claims of torture as false, asserting that Kiiza's rights have not been infringed and his detention adheres to Ugandan legal provisions. The environment for lawyers in Uganda has sharply deteriorated, with colleagues expressing shock at the attacks on legal professionals amid increasing governmental repression as the nation approaches general elections.

Dr. Kizza Besigye, who has been a prominent critic of President Yoweri Museveni's long-standing rule, faces serious charges that many say are politically motivated. This situation is part of a broader trend of escalating repression against opposition figures in Uganda.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from Uganda

Kampala Tackles Air Pollution Crisis with New Technology

Authorities in Kampala, Uganda, are responding to a severe air quality crisis linked to over 7,000 deaths in the past four years. The Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) has installed 65 air quality sensors throughout the city to monitor pollution levels and inform response strategies, according to SciDev.net. Kampala's air pollution exceeds World Health Organization recommendations by eightfold, significantly affecting the health of its 5 million residents, with rising cases of heart disease, asthma, and other chronic conditions. Alex Ndyabakira, KCCA's head of air quality monitoring, highlighted plans to implement a train system on the Eastern route, which has been identified as heavily polluted. Key pollution sources include home energy use, transportation, and solid waste, with suggestions for mitigation such as transitioning to induction stoves or electric vehicles. Sumi Mehta, vice president of climate and environmental health at Vital Strategies, emphasized that advancements in technology make air quality monitoring more efficient and less costly, providing critical data for public health policies.
UGUganda

Prominent Ugandan Opposition Leader Kizza Besigye in Critical Condition Amid Support Calls

Kizza Besigye, a leading Ugandan opposition figure and four-time presidential candidate, was taken back to a maximum-security prison on Wednesday after appearing in a civilian court, where his health condition raised concerns. Lawyers attempted to secure his release, but a judge found him too frail to follow the proceedings, according to reports from local media. Besigye has been detained since November, leading to growing calls from supporters and human rights groups for improved medical care and his release. His family reported that he began a hunger strike in protest against his continued imprisonment. This came after Uganda's Supreme Court ruled that military tribunals lack jurisdiction over civilians, prompting legal arguments for his immediate release. As Besigye's situation worsens, observers warn that further deterioration could incite unrest in Uganda, where political tensions are high ahead of presidential elections next year. President Yoweri Museveni, in power since 1986, dismissed calls for Besigye's release, citing serious charges against him, including treachery—a charge that carries severe penalties.
UGUganda

Uganda's Endangered Crested Crane Faces Threats from Farmers and Habitat Loss

The iconic crested crane, a symbol of Uganda's national identity, is at risk of extinction, with its population plummeting from over 100,000 in the 1970s to just 10,000 today, according to Nature Uganda. Farmers in western Uganda report that the birds damage crops, leading many to disregard laws protecting them, which mandate life sentences or hefty fines for those who kill a crane. Local conservationists highlight that traditional beliefs once revered the bird, with a history of superstitions discouraging its killing. However, as crop damage rises due to an expanding agricultural sector, including encroachment into crucial wetlands, farmers increasingly resort to poisoning the birds. "One of the biggest threats against cranes is poisoning by farmers," noted Gilbert Tayebwa, a conservation officer. Despite conservation efforts and government rallies to restore wetlands, the situation remains dire. Adalbert Ainomucunguzi of the International Crane Foundation warns that without immediate intervention, Uganda faces the loss of this treasured species. The Ugandan government has declared 2025 a "Year of Wetland Conservation" to address the pressing crisis.
UGUganda
All Uganda News ->