'Unjust Sentence for Eron Kiiza is Brutalization' Stella Nyanzi Speaks Out as Besigye's Lawyer is Jailed for Contempt of Court

Ugandan activist and academic Stella Nyanzi has raised her voice in anger over the nine-month jail sentence given to Kiiza Eron, a lawyer who represents opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye.

 The sentence was for contempt of court, and it has sparked outrage among many, including Nyanzi.

The lawyer is currently being held at Kitalya Prison, and Nyanzi has expressed her strong disapproval.

In a statement shared on X, Nyanzi said, “I’m outraged by the brutalization and unjust sentence of 9 months imprisonment of Eron Kiiza at Kitalya Prison.”

Her words reflect a deep concern over what she sees as an abuse of power and a violation of basic human rights.

The case has become a symbol of growing fears over the state of legal rights in Uganda, especially for those who oppose the government.

Nyanzi did not stop at criticizing the sentence. She also spoke out against the use of military tribunals for civilians, which she believes only benefit President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

“Subjecting civilians to military tribunals only serves Dictator Kaguta Museveni. Shame on Freeman Mugabe!” she added, referring to the judge overseeing the case. 

Her words are a direct attack on the current government’s methods of dealing with opposition and critics.

The sentence comes after an incident in court earlier in the day, during which Eron was involved in a scuffle with court officials. The altercation led to his immediate arrest, and the situation escalated quickly from there.

The imprisonment has since ignited protests from Ugandans who feel that the legal system is being used to silence those who oppose the ruling government.

In her statement, Nyanzi made it clear that she supports the peaceful protests by Ugandans who are standing up against what they see as an unjust decision.

“I join Ugandans peacefully protesting against this injustice,” she declared. Her support for these protests is a call for unity in the face of what many see as the erosion of democratic rights in Uganda.

Critics argue that the legal system is increasingly being used to target those who speak out against the government, whether they are opposition politicians, activists, or ordinary citizens. The case of Eron Kiiza is just the latest example of this troubling trend.