The Eron Kiiza passport release ruling has officially allowed the renowned human rights lawyer to travel abroad for medical treatment. On June 25, 2025, Justice David Matovu declared that keeping Kiiza’s passport under bail conditions should not limit his right to travel freely.
Notably, the judge emphasized that the trial judge, Hon. Michael Elubu, had anticipated situations where Kiiza might need his passport. Therefore, the original bail order placed no restrictions on the countries he could visit or the purpose of his travel.
This decision came after Kiiza’s conviction for contempt of court by the General Court Martial in January 2025. Consequently, the court sentenced him to nine months in prison. However, Kiiza appealed both to the Court Martial Appeals Court and the High Court. As part of his bail, granted on April 4, 2025, he was required to surrender his passport.
Subsequently, through KTA Advocates and Kiiza & Mugisha Advocates, Kiiza applied for the passport release. He cited urgent medical reasons and a scheduled trip to Costa Rica for recovery and respite. In his affidavit, Kiiza explained that the prolonged delay in retrieving his passport had worsened his trauma and caused severe anxiety. Moreover, he described how relying on temporary travel documents within East Africa had become both exhausting and inconvenient.
On the other hand, Chief State Attorney Joseph Kyomuhendo strongly opposed the Eron Kiiza passport release. He argued that Kiiza posed a serious flight risk. Furthermore, Kyomuhendo claimed that Kiiza had not provided credible medical evidence that justified travel abroad. According to the state, there was no proof that Kiiza could not receive appropriate treatment within Uganda. Thus, they insisted that retaining the passport was essential until the appeals process concluded.
Nevertheless, Justice Matovu firmly disagreed with the prosecution’s argument. He highlighted that Kiiza had already demonstrated good faith by voluntarily returning from Nairobi using a temporary travel document. This, in the judge’s view, clearly showed that Kiiza had no intention of fleeing the country. As a result, Matovu ruled that the original bail terms were fully sufficient to ensure Kiiza’s return to court.
Admittedly, Kiiza did not submit any medical documentation to support his health claims. Even so, the judge concluded that this omission could not outweigh his constitutional right to freedom of movement. He also clarified that the bail condition requiring the passport deposit was never meant as a form of punishment but rather as a procedural safeguard.
Therefore, the court ordered the Eron Kiiza passport release, specifically referring to Passport No. AA00541257. This decision enables Kiiza to travel abroad for medical care and recovery. However, the judge imposed a strict condition — Kiiza must return the passport to court immediately upon his arrival back in Uganda. This ensures the court maintains oversight while respecting his rights.
Ultimately, this ruling highlights how courts must carefully balance justice with the protection of basic freedoms. It underscores the principle that bail conditions should never violate constitutional rights unless absolutely necessary. Many legal experts believe this landmark decision will influence how future Ugandan courts handle similar cases where bail restrictions conflict with personal liberties.
In conclusion, the Eron Kiiza passport release case sends a strong message. It reminds the judiciary that protecting human rights is not only possible but also essential, even as the legal process unfolds. The High Court has demonstrated that fairness and accountability can work hand in hand.
