Kampala, Uganda – Renowned Kenyan politician and former Justice Minister Martha Karua has arrived at the Makindye General Court Martial in Kampala to defend Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and his political associate Hajj Obeid Lutale. The two are set to appear for the reading of charges stemming from their November arrest in Nairobi.

Karua was accompanied by Besigye’s wife, Eng. Winnie Byanyima, and other high-ranking opposition officials to show solidarity with Besigye, whom she described as a political comrade.

---

High-Stakes Charges: Security and Illegal Possession
Dr. Besigye and Hajj Lutale were arrested by Ugandan security on November 16 en route to Nairobi, where they had planned to attend the launch of Karua’s book. Several days later, they appeared in front of Kampala’s General Court Martial, and four charges, including illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, were levied against them.

The case has drawn great interest in East Africa and beyond, with opposition leaders and legal experts questioning the circumstances of their arrest and extradition.

---

Martha Karua: A Strong Ally in the Legal Fight

Karua, a senior counsel in Kenya and an respected advocate for human rights and justice has come forward to join Besigye’s defense team. She expressed her readiness to take on the role despite procedural hurdles, including securing a special practicing certificate from Uganda’s Law Council.

I invited Besigye to my book launch in Nairobi. He promised to come, but instead, we later heard he had been abducted. I am here in solidarity to ensure justice is served,” Karua said.

Karua’s entry into the case follows Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago’s resignation as lead counsel. Lukwago, who remains a member of the legal team, said Karua would take over the mantle, citing her competence and commitment to the cause.

---

Navigating Uganda’s Legal Requirements

As a foreign lawyer, Karua has to meet the threshold set by law to operate in Uganda. These include citizenship of a Commonwealth country, acquisition of a temporary practicing certificate, and association with a local Ugandan law firm.

Karua meets the first criterion by virtue of Kenya’s membership of the Commonwealth. On certification, she said she had applied for a special license from the Uganda Law Council.

“The Law Society of Kenya has written to confirm that I am an advocate of many years’ standing with a current practicing certificate. I am not applying for general practice rights in Uganda, but for a special license to conduct this case,” Karua said.

Her temporary membership of the firm Lukwago and Company Advocates meets the last requirement.

---

A Cross-Border Legal Collaboration

The case has brought together lawyers from Uganda and Kenya, with over 50 lawyers combining to represent Besigye and Lutale. This is a regional case that has far-reaching implications for democracy, sovereignty, and human rights in East Africa.

This case is not just about Besigye and Lutale; it raises questions about constitutional violations and regional security,” Karua said, alluding to the controversial nature of the arrest of the duo in Kenya and their extradition to Uganda.

---

Political and Legal Implications

Karua has been very vocal about the illegality of the abduction of Besigye, terming it a violation of both Kenyan and Ugandan constitutions, besides international law.

“We issued a statement condemning the abduction as a violation of Kenya’s sovereignty and constitutional principles. This case has drawn immense interest across Africa and into the global community,” she said.

Her intervention has raised the pitch on demands for transparency and observance of rule of law, with the case seen by many analysts as a litmus test for judicial independence and political accountability in Uganda.

Courtroom Drama Looms Large

The General Court Martial is expected to draw wide attention as Besigye and Lutale’s legal team, led by Karua, prepares to challenge the charges. “We are ready to face court on Monday,” Karua declared confidently, adding that the defense team is prepared to make a robust case for justice.

Erias Lukwago, who supported her assertion, reaffirmed the commitment of the team to ensure a fair trial for Besigye and Lutale: “This is a collective effort to defend not just our clients but the principles of justice and the rule of law.” \

---

Broader Implications for East Africa

As the case unfolds, its outcome may set a precedent for how politically sensitive cases are handled in the region. For many, it is not just a legal battle but a test of East Africa’s commitment to democratic governance and respect for human rights.

With Martha Karua at the forefront of the defense, all eyes are still on the Makindye General Court Martial, where stakes are equally high, legally as well as politically.