Kampala, Uganda – High Court Judge David Matovu has ordered the immediate release of renowned human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza’s passport, which had been withheld in connection with contempt of court charges.
The ruling, delivered at the High Court in Kampala, comes after months of what Kiiza described as unlawful restrictions that kept him grounded in Uganda, robbing him of both international legal opportunities and his right to free movement.
“This has been a silent punishment,” Kiiza said after the ruling. “I have missed speaking engagements, legal conferences, and professional travel, all because of a delay that shouldn’t have happened in a country that claims to uphold the rule of law.”
Kiiza, known for his fierce advocacy of veteran Dr. Kizza Besigye, a four-time presidential contender, found himself at odds with the General Court Martial in the contempt of court case, in which he was accused of disrespecting the court officials.
Though the original charges were procedural, many believe they were politically motivated, particularly due to Kiiza’s work against the government, including representing Dr. Besigye.
“I believe this was not just about contempt, but about silencing dissent through bureaucracy,” Kiiza told reporters outside court.
In his ruling, Justice David Matovu acknowledged that detaining a citizen’s passport indefinitely without a fair trial was a violation of both natural justice and constitutional rights, particularly under Articles 29 and 44 of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda, which guarantee freedom of movement.
“No individual should be subjected to punishment without trial, nor should procedural tools be used to impede one’s professional or personal development,” ruled Justice Matovu.
The court ordered the registrar to return the passport unconditionally, noting that further delay would amount to abuse of judicial discretion.
Kiiza says the travel ban cost him at least seven international invitations, including a human rights symposium in Geneva, a legal workshop in South Africa, and a UN-backed oil litigation forum.
“I may have missed planes, but I never missed the moment to speak truth to power,” he added defiantly.
His legal team is now exploring avenues to sue for damages, though Kiiza says his priority is returning to work and continuing advocacy for the voiceless.
“Today, we’re reminded that justice delayed must not become justice denied,” tweeted rights lawyer Sarah Bireete. “Eron Kiiza’s case reflects what many others suffer quietly.”
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