Ugandans on X Outraged Over Arrest of Lawyer Eron Kiiza: A Wake-Up Call for Justice and Unity

The arrest and nine-month sentencing of lawyer Eron Kiiza, who was representing opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, have ignited a firestorm of anger and frustration among Ugandans. This incident, which occurred during a General Court Martial session in Kampala, has become a symbol of the alleged erosion of the rule of law and the growing impunity under President Yoweri Museveni's regime.

Prominent voices across the country, including political figures and human rights advocates, have condemned the arrest as a miscarriage of justice. They are calling for Ugandans to unite against what they describe as an escalating crackdown on democracy and civil liberties.

Eron Kiiza was detained and sentenced after insisting on his right to represent Dr. Kizza Besigye, who himself has faced a turbulent legal ordeal following his alleged abduction in Kenya and subsequent detention in Uganda. The court martial reportedly blocked Kiiza from accessing the bar and later charged him with contempt.

Doreen Nyanjura, the Deputy Lord Mayor of Kampala, shared her disbelief on Twitter, saying, "I am yet to recover from the shock. Why was Eron blocked from accessing the bar? Is it not Freeman (the Chairman) who should be charged with contempt of court?"

Social media erupted with hashtags such as #FreeEronKiiza and #FreeKizzaBesigye, reflecting widespread condemnation of the actions taken by the General Court Martial.

Jeje Odea (@username_1) warned about the dangers of silence by stating, "This regime will come for us one after another. We need a united voice against this regime's impunity. Ugandans, speak up before you are picked up. Nobody is safe."

Stella Nyanzi (@username_2), a prominent academic and activist, criticized the military court’s decision: "Unjustly sentencing @username_3 to nine months in Kitalya Prison is a total miscarriage of justice. Ugandans must rise up en masse against this impunity!"

Simon Kaggwa Njala (@username_4) placed the blame on the judiciary’s inaction, asserting: "Verily I say, it is @username_5 in the dock with @username_6. Their reluctance not only makes them captives of injustices but also renders them accomplices."

Ordinary citizens also shared their frustrations, echoing the sentiment that the legal system has been weaponized to suppress dissent. The arrest of a defence lawyer in the courtroom has left many questioning the independence and integrity of Uganda’s judiciary. Joel Ssenyonyi, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, criticized the General Court Martial, stating, "The challenge with the General Court Martial is that they don't follow the law at all. They do whatever they want."

Critics argue that the militarization of the judiciary and the targeting of legal professionals like Eron Kiiza undermine the very foundations of justice in Uganda. Many commentators have called for collective action to address the worsening political climate in the country. Zaake Francis, an opposition Member of Parliament, emphasized the importance of solidarity: "Standing with @username_3 in this moment of injustice is crucial. His sentencing is a threat to all who fight for justice. Together, let's raise our voices for fairness and accountability."

Gabriel Buule (@username_7) summed up the frustration felt by many Ugandans: "We are a group of foolish people being led by foolish people. Everything is a joke."

The arrest of Eron Kiiza has galvanized discussions about the state of human rights and democracy in Uganda. Observers say this incident could mark a turning point, as more Ugandans express their discontent with the current regime.

As the hashtag #FreeEronKiiza continues to trend, the demand for justice grows louder. Whether this movement will lead to meaningful change remains to be seen. For now, Ugandans are united in their call for accountability and the restoration of the rule of law.