By Jako David Waluluka
The slapping of a 9 month sentence for ‘ gross professional misconduct’ by the General Court Martial on Counsel Eron Kiiza , One of the top lawyers representing Dr. Kiiza Besigye and Hajji Obied Lutale, is a clear statement that its not business as usual when in session.
The suave lawyer clad in a blue suit , who in the recent past has made headlines over his professional spats with the GCM members , was found guilty of “banging the angle bars and didn’t listen to the chairman of the court”.
One of his most outstanding clashes was with Judge Advocate Brigadier General Richard Tukacungurwa, over procedural matters. For many a keen observer of the GMC, it was just a matter of time before counsel Kiiza, would himself face the ‘music’ of a court he loathed .
In a tear dropping twist of events , Counsel, Kizza , on being hurled into caged dock hugged client Besigye whilst his co accused Lutale watched in awe .
Moments later it would dawn on Counsel Kiiza that his sentence was passed without a trial, contrary to basic principals of justice system even in a military court.
Critics have argued for years that the military court has no jurisdiction to try civilians and that military men treat civilians like military personnel when in the court martial.
Patriotic league of Uganda top honcho , Frank Gashumba, while reacting on the stencing of counsel kizza quipped that ‘’ the only time i went to the General Court martial, was when i went to attend Gen.Kale Kayihura’s case’’
‘’we were treated like children on assembly and for my own sanity and sake , i will only go back there as a prisoner’’ added Gashumba.
In 2004, lawyers Erias Lukwago and Caleb Alaka were convicted of contempt of court by the late Lt. Gen. Elly Tumwine in the treason case against Dr. Kizza Besigye. They were fined 1,000 Shillings or faced two weeks in prison, but both paid the fine.
In 2018, City lawyer Jimmy Muyanja, who was one of the lead lawyers in the case against Boda Boda 2010 Association Patron Abdullah Kitatta, was indefinitely suspended. The then-Court Martial Chairperson, Lt. Gen. Andrew Gutti, dismissed Muyanja for misconduct after he banged the table while making his submission. Gen. Gutti ordered that Muyanja never return to the Court Martial under his leadership.
The Counsel Kiiza’s predicament now puts to test the resolve of the remaining multi faced legal team led by senior counsel Martha Karua, Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago , whether they will maintain the momentum that had been attained by their Kiiza.
