Former Justice Minister Martha Karua has travelled to Uganda to represent detained opposition leader Kizza Besigye in a court case before the General Court Martial in Makindye, Kampala.
Karua, who is leading a team of lawyers, will defend Besigye, the 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, revealed that her husband was seized by Ugandan intelligence officers, bundled into a car, and driven overnight through the Busia border.
She described the operation as a well-coordinated abduction executed by four abductors.
Karua arrived in Uganda yesterday to finalize preparations for the case, in which Besigye and his colleague, Obeid Lutale, are facing charges for possessing eight rounds of ammunition found in an apartment in Nairobi’s Riverside area.
Karua was appointed to lead the defense team, taking over from Kampala Mayor Erias Lukwago, who announced he would attach her to his law firm as required by Ugandan law.
Besigye being taken to General Court Martial in Makindye, Kampala after he was abducted.
According to Ugandan regulations, foreign lawyers must be from Commonwealth countries, obtain a temporary practicing certificate, and work with a local law firm to practice law in the country.
Karua is expected to complete the necessary formalities and be cleared to represent Besigye in court.
