Besigye Trial: DPP petitions court over lawyer Eron Kiiza’s X posts

What the report says

The Observer reports that Uganda’s Director of Public Prosecutions has asked the High Court to hold lawyer Eron Kiiza in criminal contempt over social media posts linked to the treason trial of Dr Kizza Besigye and two co-accused. The State says the posts, made on Kiiza’s verified X account, referred to a prosecution witness, Andrew Wilson, in ways that could prejudice an active case and violate the sub judice rule.

According to court papers cited by the newspaper, prosecutors allege that Kiiza questioned the witness’s credibility, described his account as contradictory and untrue, and in one post called him a liar. The DPP is seeking punishment, including either civil prison or a fine, and also wants the posts deleted, a ban on further public comments about the evidence or merits of the case, and a court-approved retraction and apology posted on X for seven days.

The application is supported by an affidavit from a CID investigator, who says the posts were made in July 2026 and were preserved through digital forensic methods. The State argues they could intimidate witnesses and interfere with justice. It also points to a July 16 letter Kiiza allegedly sent to other defence lawyers, which prosecutors say shows an intention to influence proceedings.

The case comes amid broader delays in the Besigye trial, which has been marked by disputes over legal representation and other procedural issues. In a response quoted by The Observer, Kiiza said the contempt bid was meant to silence him and prevent the public from learning about the case. The High Court is expected to decide whether he must answer the contempt allegations.