Kenya’s former Justice Minister and prominent political figure, Martha Karua, has arrived in Uganda to lead the legal defense of opposition activist Dr. Kizza Besigye and his associate, Hajj Obeid Lutale, as they appear before the military court in Kampala on Monday.
The duo was reportedly abducted by Uganda’s security forces on November 16 while in Nairobi, where they had traveled to attend Karua’s book launch. Four days after their abduction, Besigye and Lutale were arraigned before the General Court Martial in Kampala, facing charges related to security violations, illegal possession of two pistols, and possession of eight rounds of ammunition.
Last week, Erias Lukwago, Kampala’s Lord Mayor and previously the lead lawyer for Besigye, announced that Karua would take over as lead counsel for the defense. Karua’s presence signals a high-profile legal effort to defend the prominent Ugandan opposition figures.
Upon her arrival in Kampala on Sunday, Karua spoke to NTV, expressing her solidarity with Besigye and explaining her decision to represent him.
“Dr. Besigye is a comrade in the struggle to bring positive change to our countries. I invited him to my book launch, and he promised to attend. Later, I learned he had been abducted on his way. I am here to stand with him and Hajj Lutale in this fight for justice,” she stated.
Karua, a Kenyan citizen, will need to meet all legal requirements to represent Besigye in Uganda’s courts.
The court hearing, scheduled for today, is expected to draw considerable attention, highlighting ongoing concerns about political freedom and justice in the region.
