What you need to know

Updates:’The court adjourned for twenty minutes in the trial of Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale to allow some defense lawyers, who were initially not allowed to enter, to be cleared by security.
Among those locked out were lead lawyer Martha Karua, Erias Lukwago, Eron Kizza, and others’.

The legal team representing Dr. Kizza Besigye, led by Lord Mayor Elias Lukwago, has faced significant hurdles in ensuring justice for the former presidential candidate.

Central to the challenges is the denial of a practicing certificate for renowned Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua, who had traveled to Uganda to lead the defense.

Lawyers Assemble at the Uganda Law Council Headquarters

On the morning of Dr. Besigye’s re-arrest in a military court, his legal representatives, including Martha Karua, convened at the Uganda Law Council offices.

Despite Karua’s prior application, facilitated by Lukwago and Company Advocates, her certification to plead in Ugandan courts remains pending.

According to Lukwago, the delay is viewed as a deliberate obstacle in a politically charged case.

“Dr. Besigye, like every citizen, has the right to choose his legal representative.

Martha Karua was selected to lead the defense, but bureaucracy and political games are being used to frustrate this right,” Lukwago stated.

Challenges at the Military Court

Winnie Byanyima, Dr. Besigye’s wife, highlighted the tense situation at the military court through her X (formerly Twitter) account.

She reported that senior counsel Martha Karua’s handbag was confiscated by army personnel at the main gate.

The bag was only returned after prolonged negotiations with senior commanders.

Furthermore, over 20 lawyers, including Karua and Lukwago, were locked out of the courtroom. “We can’t start without the lawyers for the accused! Surely, is this a court?”
Byanyima questioned in her tweet.

Political Interference Alleged

Lukwago and the defense team suspect that political interference is behind the delay in granting Karua her practicing certificate.

“We are waiting for the Law Council to explain the delay. Dr. Besigye has a right under Ugandan law to be represented by counsel of his choice,” Lukwago emphasized.

Karua’s certification is crucial for leading the team in defending Besigye against charges stemming from his controversial arrest in Kenya.

Next Steps in the Legal Battle

The legal team remains steadfast in seeking justice for Dr. Besigye.

Their immediate focus is on securing bail in the military court while continuing to press the Uganda Law Council to issue Karua’s certificate.

As the defense team navigates the current legal hurdles, they are prepared to challenge any procedural injustices.

The unfolding case highlights concerns about judicial independence and the rule of law in Uganda.

Observers will closely monitor the developments to see whether justice will prevail in this high-profile legal battle.

The denial of Martha Karua’s practicing certificate has sparked widespread criticism, with allegations of political interference taking center stage.

As the legal team awaits further actions, the case underscores the challenges faced by those defending democracy and human rights in Uganda.