Prominent Kenyan politician Martha Karua has officially taken over as the head of Dr. Kizza Besigye’s legal defense team in Uganda. The four-time Ugandan presidential contender is facing charges related to illegal possession of firearms and ammunition in a trial before the General Court martial in Makindye, Kampala.
Karua, a former Justice Minister in Kenya, was invited to represent Besigye following his arrest in Nairobi on November 16 during the launch of her book, Against the Tide. Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago confirmed the transition, stating that a team of over 50 lawyers from Kenya and Uganda has been assembled to handle the case. Lukwago, who previously led the legal team, emphasized Karua’s leadership and her commitment to defending the opposition figure against what many perceive as politically motivated charges.
To practice in Uganda, Karua is seeking a temporary legal practicing certificate under Section 18 of the Advocates Act, which allows Commonwealth lawyers to work in the country. Efforts are underway to expedite the application process to ensure her active participation in the ongoing trial.
The case has drawn widespread attention, with regional legal bodies like the Pan-African Lawyers Union and the International Commission of Jurists also showing interest. Meanwhile, protests over Besigye’s arrest have led to the detention of several opposition figures, including Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda and former MP Ingrid Turinawe, further fueling tensions between the Ugandan government and opposition supporters
Karua’s involvement underscores the cross-border solidarity among East African opposition movements and highlights the political stakes surrounding Besigye’s trial.
Prominent Kenyan politician Martha Karua has officially taken over as the head of Dr. Kizza Besigye’s legal defense team in Uganda. The four-time Ugandan presidential contender is facing charges related to illegal possession of firearms and ammunition in a trial before the General Court Martial in Makindye, Kampala.
Karua, a former Justice Minister in Kenya, was invited to represent Besigye following his arrest in Nairobi on November 16 during the launch of her book, Against the Tide. Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago confirmed the transition, stating that a team of over 50 lawyers from Kenya and Uganda has been assembled to handle the case. Lukwago, who previously led the legal team, emphasized Karua’s leadership and her commitment to defending the opposition figure against what many perceive as politically motivated charges.
To practice in Uganda, Karua is seeking a temporary legal practicing certificate under Section 18 of the Advocates Act, which allows Commonwealth lawyers to work in the country. Efforts are underway to expedite the application process to ensure her active participation in the ongoing trial
The case has drawn widespread attention, with regional legal bodies like the Pan-African Lawyers Union and the International Commission of Jurists also showing interest. Meanwhile, protests over Besigye’s arrest have led to the detention of several opposition figures, including Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda and former MP Ingrid Turinawe, further fueling tensions between the Ugandan government and opposition supporters.
Karua’s involvement underscores the cross-border solidarity among East African opposition movements and highlights the political stakes surrounding Besigye’s trial.
