Former Justice Minister Martha Karua has traveled to Uganda to represent detained opposition leader Kizza Besigye in a case before the General Court Martial in Makindye, Kampala.
Karua is heading a team of lawyers to defend Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate, who was arrested in Kenya two weeks ago while attending the launch of Karua’s book.
Besigye’s wife, Winnie Byanyima, disclosed that her husband was seized by Ugandan intelligence officers, forced into a car, and transported overnight across the Busia border.
She described the incident as a meticulously coordinated abduction carried out by four captors.
Karua arrived in Uganda yesterday to finalize preparations for the case, where Besigye and his associate, Obeid Lutale, face charges related to the possession of eight rounds of ammunition discovered in an apartment in Nairobi’s Riverside area.
Karua was appointed to lead the defense team, replacing Kampala Mayor Erias Lukwago, who announced he would attach Karua to his law firm, as required by Ugandan law.
Under Ugandan regulations, foreign lawyers must be from Commonwealth countries, acquire a temporary practicing certificate, and work with a local law firm to practice in the country.
Karua is expected to complete the formalities and be cleared to represent Besigye in court.
