Kenyan politician and former Justice Minister Martha Karua has been appointed to lead the legal defense team for Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye in his ongoing trial before the General Court Martial in Makindye, Kampala. 

Karua takes over from Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who confirmed the leadership change during a press briefing.

Lukwago announced that a formidable team of more than 50 lawyers from Kenya and Uganda has been assembled to defend Besigye and his co-accused, Hajj Obeid Lutale.

The group comprises representatives from well-known legal associations like the Pan-African Lawyers Union (PALU) and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ). 

Besigye and Lutale are accused of illegal firearm possession and security-related offences, which many people think are politically motivated.

“This team is a demonstration of our commitment to justice,” Lukwago stated. “Hon. Martha Karua has graciously agreed to lead this team, and her extensive legal expertise will be invaluable in this fight against what we believe are politically motivated charges.”

To allow Karua and other Kenyan lawyers to participate in Ugandan legal proceedings, the necessary temporary practicing certificates are being processed in accordance with Ugandan Advocates Act.

Lukwago explained that because Kenya is a member of the East African Community and the Commonwealth, the process is expected to go smoothly.

 “We’ve already submitted Karua’s application and are confident it will be finalized swiftly. For now, the legal team will be attached to Lukwago and Company Advocates to ensure seamless collaboration between Ugandan and Kenyan lawyers,” he told Ugandan dailies on Monday. 

Dr. Besigye and Hajj Lutale were apprehended on November 16 in Nairobi, Kenya, where Besigye had been invited to speak at the launch of Karua's book, Against the Tide.

 Days later, they were brought before the General Court Martial and charged with alleged illegal possession of two pistols and eight rounds of ammunition. 

Both men have been in custody since November 20 and are set to appear in court again on December 2.

The arrests have provoked widespread criticism from opposition leaders and activists in Uganda.

 On Tuesday, Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, opposition mobiliser Ingrid Turinawe, and six other members of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Katonga faction were detained in Kampala as they attempted to march to the Kenyan High Commission. 

The group was seeking an explanation for the arrests of Besigye and Lutale in Nairobi.

“The political persecution of opposition leaders is unacceptable. We demand justice and accountability,” said Nganda before his arrest.

The trial of Dr. Besigye, a four-time presidential contender, has drawn significant international attention. 

Many observers see the charges as part of a broader strategy to suppress dissent in Uganda.