Kenya’s former Justice Minister and Deputy Presidential candidate, Martha Karua, arrived at the Makindye General Court Martial in Kampala on Monday to show her support for Dr. Kizza Besigye and his political associate, Hajj Obeid Lutale, as their cases were read in court.
Karua was accompanied by Besigye’s wife, Eng Winnie Byanyima, and other prominent opposition leaders.
Besigye and Lutale were apprehended by Uganda’s security services on November 16, in Nairobi, where they had traveled to attend the launch of Karua’s book.
The two were taken into custody, and four days later, they appeared before the general court martial in Kampala.
They faced charges on four counts, including threats to national security, illegal possession of two pistols, and illegal possession of eight rounds of ammunition.
The charges have drawn considerable attention from both Ugandan and international observers.
Karua had initially been expected to lead the defense team for Besigye and Lutale, but her ability to do so was contingent on receiving a practicing certificate from Uganda’s Law Council.
The certificate has not been issued yet, which has delayed her official role as their lawyer.
A week ago, Erias Lukwago, who had been Besigye’s lead lawyer and is also the Lord Mayor of Kampala, announced that Karua would take over as the lead counsel in Besigye’s defense.
Karua expressed her deep solidarity with Besigye, describing him as a political comrade dedicated to improving the situation in Uganda.
“Besigye is a comrade in politics, fighting for the betterment of our country.
I invited him to attend my book launch, and although he promised to come, he did not show up.
It was later revealed that he had been abducted, which is why I am here today to stand in solidarity with him,” Karua said.
Despite not being a Ugandan citizen, Karua is determined to represent Besigye in court, although she must meet the legal requirements set forth in Uganda’s Advocates Act.
According to Section 18 of the Act, foreign lawyers wishing to practice in Uganda must be from a Commonwealth country, obtain a temporary practicing certificate, and be affiliated with a Ugandan law firm.
This legal process could take time, but Karua’s presence in the courtroom was a strong sign of her commitment to supporting Besigye and Lutale.
The case has sparked widespread discussion about the political climate in Uganda and the treatment of opposition figures.
Supporters of Besigye and Lutale argue that the charges are politically motivated, aiming to silence opposition voices.
The situation continues to draw attention from human rights groups and international bodies, who are calling for fair treatment and justice for the accused.
As the legal proceedings continue, Karua’s involvement in the case has brought additional international scrutiny to the matter, with hopes that her efforts will contribute to a fair trial for Besigye and Lutale.
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