Kenyan politician and former Justice Minister Martha Karua has been named head of a robust 50-lawyer team defending Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye in a high-profile trial before the General Court Martial in Makindye, Kampala. The trial, which has drawn international attention, involves accusations of illegal firearm possession and security-related offenses, charges widely perceived as politically motivated.
The announcement of Karua’s appointment came from Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who previously led the legal team. Lukwago emphasized the strength of the defense, which includes lawyers from Kenya and Uganda and representatives from renowned legal organizations such as the Pan-African Lawyers Union (PALU) and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ).
“This team is a demonstration of our commitment to justice,” Lukwago stated during a press briefing. “Hon. Martha Karua has graciously agreed to lead this team, and her extensive legal expertise will be invaluable in this fight against what we believe are politically motivated charges.”
Legal and Regional Collaboration
To enable Karua and other Kenyan lawyers to participate in the Ugandan legal proceedings, temporary practicing certificates are being processed under the Ugandan Advocates Act. Given Kenya’s membership in the East African Community and the Commonwealth, Lukwago expressed confidence in a swift approval process.
“We’ve already submitted Karua’s application and are confident it will be finalized swiftly,” Lukwago noted. The legal team will operate under the framework of Lukwago and Company Advocates, ensuring seamless collaboration between Ugandan and Kenyan lawyers.
Arrests and Political Context
Dr. Besigye and his co-accused, Hajj Obeid Lutale, were arrested on November 16 in Nairobi, Kenya, where Besigye had been invited to speak at the launch of Karua’s book, Against the Tide. Shortly after, they were transported to Kampala and charged with illegal possession of two pistols and eight rounds of ammunition.
The arrests have sparked widespread criticism, with opposition leaders and activists in Uganda labeling them as part of a broader strategy to suppress political dissent. Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda and other members of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Katonga faction were detained in Kampala while protesting Besigye’s arrest and seeking an explanation from the Kenyan High Commission.
Nganda, who was arrested alongside opposition mobilizer Ingrid Turinawe and six others, denounced the actions as political persecution. “The political persecution of opposition leaders is unacceptable. We demand justice and accountability,” he stated before his detention.
Broader Implications
Besigye, a four-time Ugandan presidential contender, has long been a symbol of resistance against President Yoweri Museveni’s government. His arrest and trial come amid heightened political tensions in Uganda, where the government has faced criticism for its treatment of opposition figures.
The involvement of Martha Karua, a prominent East African lawyer and politician, underscores the regional significance of the trial. Known for her commitment to justice and the rule of law, Karua’s leadership in this case signals a broader pushback against perceived political suppression in Uganda.
International Attention
The trial has drawn significant international attention, with many observers viewing it as emblematic of the challenges faced by opposition leaders in repressive political climates. Human rights organizations and political commentators have called for transparency and fairness in the proceedings.
As the legal battle unfolds, the presence of a diverse and formidable defense team sends a strong message about regional solidarity and the importance of upholding democratic values. For Karua, this case represents an opportunity to champion justice beyond Kenya’s borders and to contribute to the broader fight for political freedoms in East Africa.
With the trial set to continue, all eyes remain on Makindye, where the outcome could have far-reaching implications for Uganda’s political landscape and its relations with neighboring countries.
