Kenya’s iron lady Martha Karua on Tuesday secured her legal pass to tackle Uganda’s justice system.
The former Justice Minister was officially cleared to represent opposition kingpin Dr. Kizza Besigye and his ally Hajj Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya at the Makindye based General Court Martial.
Karua’s temporary practicing certificate was greenlit Tuesday morning after she shelled out $200 and UGX 200,000 in legal fees.
Besigye and Lutale, slapped with charges of illegal gun possession, are fighting what their supporters call a sham trial. But the state is sticking to its guns, claiming solid evidence to link the duo to national security threats.
However, the General Court Martial demanded that Karua and over 30 other lawyers cannot represent Dr. Besigye and Lutaale on grounds that they lacked written instructions from their clients.
Prosecutor Col. Raphael Mugisha stated that only lawyers from AF Mpanga Advocates including Fredrick Mpanga, Apollo Katumba, and Ernest Kalibala were formally authorized to represent the accused.
Court Martial Chairperson Brig. Robert Freeman Mugabe confirmed this after directing the Registrar to verify the records.
The defense, led by Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, countered that the accused had verbally authorized all present lawyers, including Karua.
Speaking in court, Karua argued that written instructions were unnecessary and requested the court to proceed with her representation, promising to provide documentation later.
However, Brig. Mugabe maintained the decision untill AF Mpanga Advocates requested a 15-minute recess to consult Besigye and Lutaale on next steps.
The court is also set to rule on a motion challenging its jurisdiction to try civilians for alleged offenses committed abroad, including in Geneva and Kenya. Further updates are awaited.
