Besigye, a renowned opposition figure in Uganda, and his close ally Obeid Kamulegeya are currently in remand following their controversial abduction in Nairobi by Ugandan authorities, who accuse them of engaging in activities that undermine Uganda's security.
Karua is expected to lead a team of 50 lawyers in mounting a spirited defence for the two men, who were arrested by Ugandan security agents in Nairobi while attending the launch of the former Justice Minister's book on November 16, 2024.
She takes over the lead role from Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who confirmed the leadership change during a press briefing on Monday.
The star-studded legal team includes representatives from notable organizations such as the Pan-African Lawyers Union (PALU) and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ).
'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.'
Lukwago also explained that arrangements are underway to obtain a temporary practising certificate required for Karua to participate in legal proceedings in Kampala, in accordance with Uganda's Advocates Act.
He noted that, as Kenya is part of both the East African Community and the Commonwealth, the process is expected to proceed without hitches.
'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 added.
Besigye and Kamulegeya were arraigned in a military court in Kampala on November 20 and remanded until December 2 on charges related to security, including illegal possession of two pistols and eight rounds of ammunition.
The prosecution told the General Court Martial, chaired by Brig. Freeman Mugabe, that the two committed the offences in Nairobi (Kenya), Athens (Greece), and Geneva (Switzerland).
In the first count, the prosecution alleges that Besigye, Kamulegeya, and other suspects still at large held meetings in Geneva, Athens, and Nairobi between October 2023 and November 2024 to solicit logistical support and identify military targets in Uganda, intending to undermine the security of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF).
In the second and third counts, the two are accused of illegally possessing firearms, contrary to Uganda's Firearms Act, at Riverside Apartments in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 16, 2024. The prosecution claims they were found with two pistols: a Model 27KAL No. 765 and an HB 10414 1953, both classified as restricted weapons under the monopoly of the Defense Forces.
They also face an additional charge of unlawful possession of eight rounds of ammunition.
Karua, alongside several rights groups in Uganda and Kenya, has been at the forefront in condemning the charges, which they argue are politically motivated.
Besigye, a four-time presidential contender, has been arrested numerous times for leading anti-government protests in Uganda and charged with inciting violence.
In the latest incident, Ugandan security agents allegedly tracked him to Nairobi following intelligence reports that he was planning to meet with arms dealers as part of a plot to target President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
