Prominent human rights lawyer Eron Kiiza has officially launched his campaign for the presidency of the Uganda Law Society (ULS), embarking on a nationwide consultation tour ahead of the September 27th, 2025, end of the current ULS council's tenure.
In a statement dated from Kasese on Tuesday, Kiiza declared his candidacy, framing the ULS's leadership as a critical need in a time of what he calls "judicial, economic, and political chains" on the Ugandan Bar.
"The Ugandan Bar is bound in judicial, economic, and political chains. Justice, a cornerstone of civilised society, lies on its deathbed. It has become a privilege for the few, rather than a right for all. It is a preserve of those who can bully or bribe the system," Kiiza's statement reads.
Kiiza, known for his work in human rights, highlighted his personal experiences with political persecution, military torture, and imprisonment as qualifications for the role.
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"I have braved the fire of political persecution and military torture," he stated. "Threats against my life, economic pressures, and attempts to break me through imprisonment have not bent my resolve. The high walls and thick prison doors have not silenced me."
The lawyer asserted that his leadership would be the "steady hand" and "battle-hardened warrior for justice" that the ULS and Uganda require, particularly as the nation heads into an election season.
"I personify the leadership ULS and Uganda demands as we stare down a national election season replete with human rights abuses," Kiiza said, adding that ULS leadership "must respond firmly, swiftly and with integrity."
Kiiza's campaign, which he describes as a "refreshing, participatory and didactic country-wide tour," aims to engage with ULS members across Uganda.
He stated his commitment to being an "indefatigable defender of lawyers' welfare, young lawyers' rights, human dignity, women rights, the rule of law, social justice, Bar autonomy, judicial autonomy, public interest and the rights of the oppressed."
He pledged to continue his work in defending a wide range of vulnerable groups, from lawyers and journalists to farmers and detainees.
Kiiza concluded his statement with a promise to his colleagues and the public.
"Expect a robust, dignified and unrelenting defence of our rights and the public interest as, together, we unchain the bar from the regulatory, judicial, political and economic chains that continue to steal our dreams, damn our efforts and dash our hopes," he said.
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