In the news this afternoon, after submitting another application on 23rd December 2024 to be granted a temporary practicing certificate to represent her clients Dr.Kiiza Besigye and Hajj Obed Kamuregeya, Martha Karua Wangari has finally been granted the certificate.
Her second application follows one that was denied on several grounds including Lukwago using his KCCA email on his private law practice activities. This rejection of the Law council caused backlash in legal circles and even the Kenya Law Council threatened revenge on Ugandan lawyers.
Karua will now be able to lead a team of over 100 lawyers tomorrow in General court martial when Dr. Kiiza Besigye returns to court. The two were abducted from Kenya and later charged before the military court on accusations of threatening national peace and subversion activities.
In his statement earlier, Uganda Law Society President Isaac Ssemakade called out the Law council to reconsider it’s position when Karua re-submitted her application, he highlighted the importance of such a step towards the rule of law.
“This is a crucial opportunity for the council to re-examine its approach to requests for cross boarder legal practice, and demonstrate true transparency and fairness. If her application is successful, Ms Karua will be able to lead the defense team for Dr Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale at the General Court Martial the following day”. said Ssemakadde in a statement.