Summary:
- Karua argued that the council should have requested any additional documents it required rather than rejecting her application outright.
KAMPALA: Martha Karua, the leader of the Narc Kenya Party and one of the lead lawyers representing Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Hajji Obed Kamulegeya, has criticized the Uganda Law Council for denying her a temporary practicing certificate.
In a letter dated December 9, 2024, addressed to Margaret Navakooza, the Secretary of the Uganda Law Council, Karua stated that she was informed her letter of good standing from the Law Society of Kenya was not notarized.
Additionally, she was told that her nationality documents, academic qualifications, and Erias Lukwago’s practicing certificate were not attached to the application.
However, Karua argued that the council should have requested any additional documents it required rather than rejecting her application outright.
She also pointed out that Erias Lukwago, whose law firm she was using to apply for the temporary license, is a well-known figure serving as the Lord Mayor of Kampala and a practicing advocate.
The council also reportedly questioned what special skills Karua brought to the legal team. In response, Karua stated, “It is Dr. Besigye’s constitutional right to appoint a lawyer or lawyers of his choice, including a lead counsel. Our request to you was simply to process the application before you.”
Karua also refuted claims that she had presented herself as holding a valid practicing certificate in Uganda during the December 2 hearing in Kampala.
“As a visiting jurist, I sat with Mr. Lukwago, who introduced me to the court and informed them that I was awaiting approval for my special license to practice law in Uganda for the case before them,” she clarified in her letter.
She further expressed strong disapproval of the accusations against her, calling them an attack on her character and integrity.
“I take great exception to this unmerited accusation, which constitutes an attack on my character and undermines the impartiality of the Law Council,” she wrote.
Regarding her visit to the Chief Justice’s chambers with Lukwago and other advocates, Karua explained that no practicing certificate was needed for an administrative inquiry.
“Your disparaging and personalized aspersions on my person and character, as well as the introduction of extraneous matters, is regrettable and undermines the spirit of Jumuiya,” Karua concluded.
Dr. Kizza Besigye was reportedly abducted in Kenya by the Ugandan government and charged at a military court in Kampala after allegedly being found in possession of two firearms and ammunition.
