Kampala, Uganda – The Uganda Law Council has issued a temporary practicing certificate to Martha Karua, the former Justice Minister of Kenya, allowing her to represent jailed opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and his associate Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya in the General Court Martial. This decision comes ahead of their court appearance scheduled for tomorrow.
Karua’s application for a temporary practicing certificate was initially rejected on December 6, 2024, just days before Besigye and Lutale were set to appear in court. Following this, she appealed the decision and resubmitted her application, supported by a communication from the Uganda Law Society expressing concerns about the initial rejection. After a special meeting chaired by Justice Irene Mulyagonja, the council unanimously granted Karua the certificate.
As lead counsel for Besigye and Lutale, who face charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, Karua’s involvement is seen as a significant development in the ongoing legal battles surrounding prominent opposition figures in Uganda. The court proceedings are expected to draw considerable public attention given the political implications involved.