Uganda: Lead Advocate's license delay sparks concern over Besigye trial

KAMPALA, Uganda

Lawyers representing Uganda opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and his associate, Obeid Lutale, stormed the Uganda Law Council offices on Monday morning, seeking an update on Martha Karua's temporary practicing license.

Kenya’s former Justice Minister and Deputy Presidential candidate, Martha Karua (C) hands out her particulars at Makindye General Court Martial

Karua, a Kenyan advocate, was expected to lead the 50-member legal team but was unable to do so without the license.

"This morning we came here at the ULC to see an update of my application which was received last week, but we did not find any official information," Karua said. She spoke to Justice Irene Mulyagonja, the Council Chairperson, who assured her that the Council would sit and determine her application.

Besigye and Lutale are facing charges of unlawful possession of firearms after being abducted in Nairobi on November 16. They were presented before the General Court on November 20 and are set to reappear before the same court.

The Patriotic Front for Freedom pressure group announced last week that Karua would lead the defense team. However, the Uganda Law Council had not issued her a temporary practicing license, despite receiving her application on November 25.

Justice Mulyagonja explained that the Council had not yet met to decide on Karua's application. "The whole Council has to sit... it has several people who are in public offices who are supposed to be given notices, for them to come and sit," she said.

The Council is currently in a legal retreat, considering legal education, and will consider Karua's application when they sit. "The Council is in a legal retreat tomorrow considering legal education... the meeting of the Council to consider such matters has not sat and it will be considered when the Council sits," Justice Mulyagonja said.

Karua's application was received by the Uganda Law Council on Thursday last week, but the Council had not communicated with her about its update. The delay in issuing the license has raised concerns about the ability of Karua to lead the defense team.

The case against Besigye and Lutale is set to continue, with the prosecution expected to present its evidence. The defense team, led by Karua, will argue that the charges against their clients are baseless and that they were abducted and brought to Uganda illegally.

The case has sparked widespread interest, with many Ugandans following the developments closely.