State seeks contempt proceedings against lawyer Eron Kiiza over Besigye trial posts

Kampala, August 7, 2026 - Eron The State has asked the High Court to find lawyer Eron Kiiza guilty of contempt of court over social media posts about a prosecution witness in the ongoing treason trial involving Dr. Kizza Besigye and two others, arguing that the publications could prejudice the proceedings and interfere with the administration of justice.

The application, filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) before the High Court Criminal Division in Kampala under Criminal Miscellaneous Application No. 296 of 2026, arises from Criminal Session Case No. According to court documents, the DPP accuses Kiiza, one of the defence lawyers in the treason case, of publishing what it describes as prejudicial and derogatory statements on his verified X account about an active criminal trial.

The prosecution alleges that the posts identified prosecution witness Andrew Wilson, an American national, questioned his credibility and encouraged public debate about the merits of a case that is still before court, contrary to the sub judice rule. The State wants the court to find Kiiza guilty of criminal contempt committed outside the courtroom and is seeking an order committing him to civil prison for a punitive term or imposing a punitive fine.

The DPP is also asking the court to order Kiiza to permanently delete the disputed posts, refrain from making further public comments on the evidence or merits of the ongoing trial, and publish a court-approved retraction and unconditional apology on his X account for seven consecutive days.