Martha Karua has been appointed to head the legal team defending Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye in his trial at the General Court Martial in Kampala, Uganda.
Karua succeeds Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who announced the leadership change during a press briefing.
The defense team includes over 50 lawyers from Kenya and Uganda, featuring representatives from prominent legal organizations such as the Pan-African Lawyers Union (PALU) and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ).
They are defending Besigye and co-accused Hajj Obeid Lutale, who face charges of illegal firearm possession and other security-related offenses widely believed to be politically motivated.
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“This robust legal team underscores our commitment to ensuring justice,” said Lukwago. “Martha Karua’s expertise will be crucial in countering these questionable charges.”
To enable Karua and other Kenyan lawyers to represent Besigye, temporary practicing certificates are being processed under Uganda’s Advocates Act. Lukwago assured that the process would be seamless as Kenya and Uganda are both members of the East African Community and Commonwealth.
Besigye and Lutale were arrested on November 16 in Nairobi, Kenya, during the launch of Karua’s book *Against the Tide.* Days later, they were transferred to Uganda, accused of possessing two pistols and eight rounds of ammunition. Both have been in custody since November 20 and are set to appear in court on December 2.
The arrests have sparked widespread criticism from Ugandan opposition leaders and activists, who claim the charges aim to suppress dissent. Protests have been met with further detentions, amplifying international attention on the case.
