FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KAMPALA, Uganda (Jan. 9, 2025) — The StopEACOP Campaign condemns in the strongest possible terms the recent arrest, mistreatment, and unlawful imprisonment of prominent Ugandan human rights lawyer, Eron Kiiza. This shocking development represents a grave affront to justice, the rule of law, and human rights in Uganda.
Mr. Kiiza, a courageous and principled defender of human rights, has dedicated his life to protecting the rights of political activists, land, environmental and human rights defenders, as well as other marginalized groups in Uganda. Notably, Mr Kiiza has been a vocal advocate for communities impacted by the disastrous East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) project and has provided legal representation to numerous activists who have been unlawfully arrested for peacefully demonstrating against the EACOP. His unwavering commitment to justice has earned him respect both nationally and internationally.
Mr Kiiza was assaulted and arrested in court by military personnel on Tuesday, January 7th while protesting having been physically blocked from entering the military court’s section for defendant’s lawyers during a hearing for his client, Kizza Besigye – an opposition leader who was abducted in Kenya on the 16th of November 2024 before resurfacing at a military court in Uganda a few days later. Additional information on the background and specific incident of Mr Kiiza’s arrest has been published by Amnesty International here.
His arrest and conviction on the same day for contempt of court—without being given the opportunity to plead to the charges, defend himself or seek legal representation—is a blatant violation of fundamental rights and judicial process. He was condemned unheard, a grievous miscarriage of justice.
Further compounding our outrage are credible reports of Mr Kiiza’s serious mistreatment, abuse, and brutalisation by authorities while in detention. These actions are abhorrent and cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. They not only violate Uganda’s constitutional protections but also contravene international human rights standards to which Uganda is a signatory.
This case reflects a descent into lawlessness, exemplified by the military court’s sentencing of Mr Kiiza to nine months’ imprisonment for contempt of court. This sentence flagrantly disregards Sections 214(9), 171(1)(g), and 171(2) of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Act Cap. 330, which limits penalties for contempt to a maximum of 30 days. By imposing an illegal and draconian sentence, the military court has sent a chilling message that dissent will not be tolerated—even within the confines of legal advocacy. Such actions erode public trust in the judicial system and embolden further abuses of power.
When the rule of law is trampled and human rights defenders are targeted with such brazen attacks, the injury extends far beyond the individual; it is an assault on the values and principles that underpin any democratic society and leaves all who would be bold enough to assert themselves as legitimate stakeholders in their society at serious risk.
The StopEACOP Campaign demands the immediate and unconditional release of Eron Kiiza and the scrapping of all bogus charges against him. We also call for an independent investigation into the reports of his mistreatment while in custody and for those responsible to be held accountable.
We urge the international community to join us in condemning these egregious actions. We call on governments, civil society organisations, and international bodies to advocate for Mr. Kiiza’s release and to pressure the Ugandan authorities to uphold human rights, the rule of law, and the
principles of justice.
The targeting of human rights defenders like Eron Kiiza is an attack on the broader struggle for justice and accountability. It is a reminder that our collective fight to protect human rights and environmental defenders must persist with renewed urgency and solidarity. Together, we must ensure that the voices of the oppressed are not silenced and that those who stand for justice are protected.
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Zaki Mamdoo, StopEACOP Campaign Coordinator
On Behalf of the StopEACOP Coalition
For inquiries contact: info@stopeacop.net
