The Uganda Martial Court has rejected the application of Narc Kenya Party leader Martha Karua to represent opposition leader Kizza Besigye.
This decision came shortly after Karua was granted a special certificate allowing her to take on this role.
The court also prohibited Karua and 30 other lawyers from representing Besigye and his co-defendant, Abeid Lutaale Kamulegeya, citing a lack of written instructions.
The prosecution, led by Colonel Raphael Mugisha, clarified that only the legal team from AF Mpanga Advocates had the formal authorization to act on behalf of the accused.
Karua and other 30 lawyers denied by court to represent Besigye
Brigadier Robert Freeman Mugabe, the Court Martial Chairperson, instructed the Registrar to verify the records, which confirmed that there were no formal instructions for any other lawyers, including Karua.
In the courtroom, Besigye emphasized that written authority was not mandatory, asserting that Martha Karua and others had his full instructions.
Karua, who had just received her practising certificate that morning, addressed the court, criticizing the treatment of lawyers, including the arrest of one of Besigye’s lawyers Eron Kiiza during the session.
Also Read: Martha Karua Faces Ruthless Museveni Head-on
She urged the court to proceed without requiring further written instructions, committing to provide the necessary documentation later.
However, Brigadier Mugabe insisted that only the lawyers from AF Mpanga Advocates could represent the accused.
Additionally, the court is set to decide on a motion questioning its jurisdiction over civilians for alleged crimes committed outside Uganda in locations such as Geneva, Greece, and Kenya.
Following the court’s decision to prohibit Karua and other lawyers from representing the opposition leader, Fredrick Mpanga from AF Mpanga Advocates requested the opportunity to submit written instructions for additional lawyers.
Besigye and his colleague face charges of illegal possession of firearms
The court granted this request, with more details to be announced after a brief recess.
Besigye and his aide, Hajj Obeid Lutale, are facing charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
These charges also include allegations that they held meetings in Nairobi, Athens, and Geneva to solicit resources aimed at causing insecurity in Uganda.
Also Read: Museveni Explains Why Besigye Was Taken to Military Court
The veteran opposition leader was controversially arrested in Nairobi in November 2024. He was reportedly abducted and transported to Kampala under heavy military escort.
Despite the Uganda government admitting Kenya’s involvement in the arrest of the opposition leader, the Kenya government has vehemently denied any involvement in Besigye’s abduction insisting that they were unaware of his presence in the country at the time he was abducted.
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