KAMPALA, Uganda | Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua is yet to receive her Temporary Practicing Certificate from the Uganda Law Council, preventing her from officially representing Dr. Kizza Besigye in his ongoing trial at the General Court Martial. Karua, appointed as the lead counsel, is expected to head a 50-member legal team defending Dr. Besigye, who faces charges of unlawful possession of firearms.

This morning, a team of Dr. Besigye’s lawyers, led by Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, visited the Uganda Law Council offices to inquire about the status of Karua’s application. According to Karua, she had spoken with the Law Council Chairperson, Justice Irene Mulyagonja, who assured her that the matter would be urgently addressed. However, as of today, no formal update has been provided, with an update expected by tomorrow.

Dr. Besigye and his co-accused, Obeid Lutale, were arrested in Nairobi on November 16 and subsequently charged in the Military Court. The charges against them relate to unlawful possession of firearms. The trial is currently ongoing at the General Court Martial at Makindye in Kampala, where arguments include the court’s jurisdiction to try the case and the legality of the charges.

Meanwhile an 82-year-old man Kiwanuka John Chrisestom appeared at the General Court Martial and offered to stand surety for Dr. Besigye. The case continues to unfold, with further developments to be provided.