Uganda Law Council Grants Martha Karua Temporary Practicing Certificate for Besigye’s Defense

Summary:

• The Uganda Law Council has granted Martha Karua, former Kenyan Justice Minister, a temporary practicing certificate to represent Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya in the General Court Martial. The decision follows her successful appeal after an initial rejection. Karua will appear in court on Tuesday.

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The Uganda Law Council has issued a temporary practicing certificate to former Kenyan Justice Minister Martha Karua, allowing her to represent jailed Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and his associate Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya before the General Court Martial on Tuesday.

Karua’s application was approved following a special meeting on Monday, chaired by Justice Irene Mulyagonja of the Court of Appeal. Karua, who is not a Ugandan citizen, had applied for the certificate to represent Besigye and Lutale, who face charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

Initially rejected on December 6, 2024, just days before the case was set to begin, Karua appealed the decision on December 23. She resubmitted her application along with a letter from the Uganda Law Society, which expressed concerns about the rejection.

In a unanimous decision, the Uganda Law Council issued the certificate, enabling Karua to appear on behalf of her clients in court on Tuesday.