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

What the report says

The State has applied to the High Court in Kampala to have lawyer Eron Kiiza held in contempt over social media posts linked to the treason trial of Dr. Kizza Besigye and two co-accused. According to The Independent Uganda, the Director of Public Prosecutions says the posts on Kiiza’s verified X account referred to a prosecution witness, Andrew Wilson, in a way that could prejudice an active case and breach the sub judice rule.

Court papers cited by the publisher say the disputed posts were made in July 2026 and allegedly described the witness’s account as contradictory, untrue and dishonest. The State argues that the comments could influence public opinion, intimidate witnesses and interfere with the administration of justice. It is asking the court not only to find Kiiza guilty of criminal contempt but also to order a punitive sanction, delete the posts, stop further public comment on the evidence, and publish a retraction and apology.

The application is supported by an affidavit from Detective Inspector Benedict Odyek. The DPP also points to a July 16 letter reportedly written by Kiiza to state-appointed defence lawyers in the same case, saying it showed an attempt to affect the conduct of the proceedings. The High Court is expected to decide whether Kiiza must answer the contempt allegations.

The development adds to a closely watched case that has already seen repeated delays and disputes over Besigye’s legal representation. For context, contempt proceedings over public comments on pending cases are not unusual in common-law systems, but the specific claims and next legal steps will be determined by the Ugandan court.