DPP Seeks Jail Time for Besigye Lawyer Eron Kiiza Over Witness Posts

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has initiated legal action, seeking to have human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza jailed for alleged criminal contempt of court. The application, filed before the High Court Criminal Division, accuses Kiiza of violating the sub judice rule through social media posts concerning the ongoing treason trial of opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and two others.

Kiiza, who is representing Besigye and his co-accused, allegedly used his X (formerly Twitter) account to comment on the evidence and credibility of a key prosecution witness, Andrew Wilson Orlando. The DPP contends that these posts, published in July 2026, created a “parallel trial in the court of public opinion,” potentially prejudicing the judicial proceedings, intimidating witnesses, and undermining justice.

The prosecution is seeking orders that Kiiza be found guilty of contempt committed outside court (contempt ex facie curiae), and that he be sentenced to civil prison or pay a fine. Furthermore, the DPP requests that Kiiza be compelled to permanently delete the contentious posts, refrain from future public comments on the case’s merits, and publish a court-sanctioned apology and retraction on his X account for seven consecutive days.

The application details several specific posts made by Kiiza, including those questioning alleged contradictions in the witness’s statement regarding meeting dates and timelines, and referring to the witness as a “liar.” The DPP argues that these publications attacked the witness’s credibility before testimony, risking undue influence on public perception of the trial.

Additionally, the DPP accuses Kiiza of attempting to interfere with the conduct of the trial by sending a “cease and desist” letter to state-appointed defence lawyers. The DPP argues this action, along with subsequent social media activity, was intended to pressure these lawyers.

This current application is separate from a previous instance where Kiiza was jailed by a military court for contempt during proceedings involving Dr. Besigye in January 2025. The prosecution maintains that, as an officer of the court, Kiiza is fully aware of his professional obligations and the restrictions imposed by the sub judice principle, asserting his actions demonstrate an intention to prejudice the judicial process.

The treason case against Dr. Besigye and his co-accused is ongoing. The High Court has yet to issue a ruling on the DPP’s application against Eron Kiiza.

This information is based on a report from Nile Post.