KAMPALA, Uganda | Kenya’s former Justice Minister, Martha Karua, has been appointed to lead a 50-member legal team representing Ugandan opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye in his upcoming trial before the General Court Martial in Kampala. This development follows Dr. Besigye’s recent arrest in Nairobi, Kenya, and subsequent transfer to Uganda, where he faces charges related to security offenses and illegal possession of firearms.

Erias Lukwago, Kampala’s Lord Mayor and interim president of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), announced the formation of this extensive legal team. He emphasized that the team comprises lawyers from both Uganda and Kenya, reflecting a collaborative effort to ensure a robust defense for Dr. Besigye and his co-accused, Hajj Obeid Lutale.

The legal team includes members from various organizations such as the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), the Pan-African Lawyers Union (PALU), and the East African Law Society. Efforts are also underway to engage the Law Society of Kenya to further bolster the defense.

To facilitate their participation in the Ugandan legal proceedings, the Kenyan lawyers are in the process of obtaining temporary practicing certificates, as mandated by Section 18 of Uganda’s Advocates Act. This provision allows lawyers from Commonwealth countries to practice in Uganda, provided they meet specific requirements, including attachment to a local law firm. Lukwago’s firm, Lukwago and Company Advocates, will serve as the local affiliate for the Kenyan lawyers.

Dr. Besigye and Hajj Lutale were arrested on November 16 in Nairobi, where Dr. Besigye was scheduled to speak at the launch of Martha Karua’s book, “Against the Tide.” They were subsequently charged before the General Court Martial on November 20 with offenses related to security and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. Both have been remanded until their next court appearance on December 2.

The circumstances surrounding their arrest have sparked controversy. Reports indicate that Dr. Besigye was allegedly abducted in Nairobi and transported to Uganda without due legal process, raising concerns about violations of international law and human rights. Martha Karua has publicly condemned the incident, calling for accountability from both Kenyan and Ugandan authorities.

In response to these events, members of the FDC-Katonga faction, including Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda and opposition mobilizer Ingrid Turinawe, attempted to march to the Kenyan High Commission in Uganda to seek an explanation for the arrests. However, they were detained by police during the demonstration.