By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
Uganda Law Council had denied Dr. Kizza Besigye’s Lead Counsel, a Temporary Practicing License.
Martha Karua, a Kenyan national was set to lead the Defense team in a case government alleges Besigye was soliciting for arms and money to destabilize the country.
However, to do so, she had to get the Temporary Practicing License from Uganda Law Council.
Uganda Law Council is mandated to act as the overall Regulatory Authority for the entire legal profession and Legal Aid Service Providers in Uganda.
In a brief media interview on Monday, 9th December, 2024, Karua revealed that the Uganda Law Council denied her the temporary practicing license, on grounds that application is politically motivated, rather than purely professional.
She was set to lead the defense for Dr. Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale in a court martial case.
Martha Karua, over the weekend returned to Kenya after failing to secure a practicing license in Uganda. She however, hoped that she could secure it this week.
The Uganda Law Council requires foreign lawyers to obtain a temporary practicing certificate to represent clients in Ugandan courts.
Karua’s presence in Uganda was highly anticipated, given her experience and expertise in handling high-profile cases.
Her return to Kenya has raised concerns about the progress of Besigye’s case, set to resume on December 10, 2024.
Besigye and his co-accused, Abeid Lutale, were arrested in Nairobi on November 16 and later charged at the General Court Martial in Kampala with four counts related to security, illegal possession of firearms, and ammunition.
