On April 4, 2025, prominent Ugandan human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza was granted bail by Justice Michael Elubu at the High Court’s Criminal Division in Kampala. The decision came after a hearing on Kiiza’s bail application, which had been scheduled for a ruling on this date following his detention earlier in the year. The court set the bail at a cash bond of 20 million Ugandan Shillings (UGX), approximately $5,300 USD, marking a significant development in a case that has drawn attention both locally and internationally.
Kiiza, known for representing opposition figures such as Dr. Kizza Besigye, had been sentenced to nine months in prison by the General Court Martial in January 2025 on charges of contempt of court. His legal troubles stemmed from an incident on January 7, when he was physically barred by soldiers from entering the military courtroom and subsequently arrested after protesting the restriction. His conviction and imprisonment sparked widespread concern among human rights advocates and legal professionals, who argued that his detention represented an overreach of military jurisdiction over civilians and a violation of his rights as a lawyer.
How Much Eron Kiiza’s court bail?
The bail conditions imposed by Justice Elubu include a cash bond of UGX 20 million, with sureties set at a non-cash bond of UGX 50 million each. Additionally, Kiiza is required to surrender his passport to the court and report to the registrar on the first Monday of each month pending the outcome of his appeal. These terms reflect the court’s effort to balance granting Kiiza temporary freedom while ensuring his availability for future proceedings.
The decision to grant bail followed submissions from Kiiza’s legal team, led by Nicholas Opiyo, who emphasized Kiiza’s family responsibilities—he is a father of three young children—and his professional obligations as the sole partner at his law firm, Kiiza and Mugisha Company Advocates. The team also highlighted the questionable legality of his detention by a military court, especially in light of a January 31 Supreme Court ruling that declared military courts lack jurisdiction over civilians. Despite opposition from the Director of Public Prosecutions, who argued that Kiiza’s conviction was necessary to uphold court decorum, Justice Elubu ruled in favor of bail.
Eron Kiiza’s release on bail has been met with relief and support from the legal community and human rights organizations. The Uganda Law Society, which had previously petitioned for his release, and international groups like Amnesty International, which condemned his initial detention, have viewed this as a step toward justice. However, his case remains unresolved, with an appeal still pending, raising broader questions about the independence of the legal profession and the rule of law in Uganda. For now, Kiiza’s ability to return to his family and practice marks a temporary victory in an ongoing legal battle.