Martha Karua granted license to represent Besigye in Court Martial

The Uganda Law Council has granted a temporary practicing certificate to Martha Karua, Kenya’s former Justice Minister, enabling her to represent prominent Ugandan opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and his associate Hajji Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya before the General Court Martial on Tuesday.

The certificate, issued on Monday after a special session chaired by Justice Irene Mulyagonja of the Court of Appeal, marks a significant development in the legal battle facing Besigye and Lutale. Both are charged with illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

Karua, a seasoned lawyer and politician, had initially applied for the certificate to practice in Uganda as she is not a Ugandan citizen. However, her request was rejected on December 6, 2024—just days before her clients’ court appearance.

Karua filed an appeal on December 23, 2024, backed by a strong endorsement from the Uganda Law Society, which expressed serious concerns over the rejection. This appeal led to a unanimous decision by the Uganda Law Council on Monday to grant her the certificate.

Karua will now serve as lead counsel for Besigye and Lutale as they return to court on Tuesday to face charges that have attracted widespread attention both locally and internationally.