Senior Counsel Martha Karua has revealed that she cannot fully represent Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye in court due to restrictions imposed on her special legal license. Karua, who traveled to Uganda to provide legal representation for Besigye and his aide Obeid Lutale, expressed frustration over her inability to actively participate in court proceedings.
Taking to her X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, Karua shared a photo of herself in court, stating that she had to remain silent due to the limitations of her temporary legal certification.
“In court but without a voice due to the restrictive nature of my special license. In the meantime, my colleagues are doing a fantastic job,” Karua posted.
She further disclosed that she is in the process of reapplying for a broader special license that would allow her to fully engage in legal arguments on Besigye’s behalf.
The legal setback comes amid growing concerns over Besigye’s health. A Ugandan judge, Douglas Singiza, directed that Besigye, who has been on a hunger strike for over five days, be taken back to prison for medical attention. The order came during a habeas corpus hearing, where Besigye and Lutale sought legal redress over their detention.
“This is an administrative order. If a prisoner is sick, I can’t continue with him. He might faint… Prison authorities take back Kizza Besigye, and we continue with the lawyers,” Judge Singiza ruled.
Besigye’s wife, Winnie, raised alarm over his deteriorating health, describing his detention as inhumane.
“Besigye is weak, has lost alarming weight, and is dizzy he hasn’t eaten in 5 days. This is not just illegal detention, it is kidnapping. I am outraged and demand that (President) Kaguta Museveni and his son, the army chief, release him immediately. He is a citizen with rights just like them!” she posted on X.
Karua’s temporary practicing certificate was initially granted on January 6, 2025, by the Uganda Law Society after nearly a month of petitioning. The certification allows her to participate in legal proceedings but comes with significant restrictions, particularly in cases before the General Court Martial. Uganda’s Law Council had initially denied her application, citing Section 18 of the Advocates Act, which imposes limitations on foreign lawyers practicing in Uganda.
With Karua reapplying for an expanded legal license, the legal battle over Besigye’s detention continues, drawing international attention to Uganda’s political and judicial landscape.
