Judge Douglas Singiza summoned Eron Kiiza's lawyers into his chambers for a private talk during which he reportedly announced he would deliver the ruling via email or on WhatsApp
Lawyers representing Eron Kiiza, a prominent human rights attorney condemned to nine months in prison for contempt of the court martial, found themselves stranded at the Civil Division of the High Court today, where they had gathered in anticipation of a ruling on their client's application for release.
Mr Kiiza, who had been imprisoned following a controversial court martial decision, was slated to hear the ruling regarding his release after his case was transferred from the military court to the civil court system.
Last week, Mr Kiiza appeared before the civil court for the first time since the suspension of cases at the General Court Martial, following an order for the transfer of such cases to the civilian judiciary for further review.
Earlier today, Judge Douglas Singiza, presiding over the case, called in two of Mr Kiiza's legal representatives--George Musisi and Kato Tumusiime--to his chambers.
According to the lawyers, the judge informed them that the ruling would be delivered in the same manner as the recent habeas corpus application ruling for Dr Kizza Besigye, which was sent via email.
"I will deliver the ruling by email or on your WhatsApp groups," Justice Singiza reportedly told the lawyers, drawing a parallel to the Besigye ruling, which was delivered by email and dismissed on the grounds that the application had been overtaken by events.
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Lawyers for Eron Kiiza at the High Court on Tuesday As the day wore on, the lawyers were left anxiously awaiting a response, with some indicating that their incarcerated client, Eron Kiiza, was already en route to court.
They claimed to have received information that Kiiza had left Kitalya prison, headed for the court where his fate would be decided.
Meanwhile, after meeting with the two legal representatives, Judge Singiza left his office, leaving the lawyers in suspense.
The civil court today received two critical applications: one from the Uganda Law Society versus the Attorney General and the Commissioner General of Prisons, and another from Eron Kiiza himself, contesting his detention.
Both applications concern habeas corpus, with Kiiza's legal team questioning the legality of his detention.
They argue that since Kiiza had appealed his nine-month sentence from the General Court Martial, and following a Supreme Court ruling, those who appealed should have their cases transferred to the civil courts for judicial review.
The lawyers argue that Kiiza's continued imprisonment, despite the legal precedent established by the Supreme Court, is unlawful and demand clarification on the legal grounds under which he is being detained.
With the delay in the ruling, the legal community remains on edge, awaiting a decision that could potentially have wider implications for other cases involving the General Court Martial.
For now, all eyes remain on the High Court as the wait for justice continues.
