According to Karua, the council rejected her application citing incomplete documentation and questioning the necessity of her involvement, sparking a strong protest from the seasoned lawyer.
In a detailed response dated December 9, 2024, Karua expressed dismay over the council's decision, calling it an attack on her integrity and a disregard for Besigye's constitutional right to legal representation of his choice. She criticized the council for failing to request additional documentation rather than outright rejecting her application.
'The issues raised in your letter could have been addressed if you had asked for any additional documents you required,' Karua wrote. 'Instead, this decision undermines the spirit of regional cooperation and the principle of justice.'
Karua also dismissed allegations that she misrepresented herself as a practising advocate in Uganda during a December 2, 2024, court appearance. She clarified that she attended the session as a visiting jurist alongside Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who introduced her to the court as awaiting approval for her temporary licence.
The rejection comes at a critical moment in Besigye's trial, where he and his ally, Obeid Lutale, face charges related to alleged activities undermining Uganda's security and the illegal possession of firearms. They were controversially apprehended in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 16, 2024, while attending the launch of a book by Karua.
The duo's trial has drawn widespread attention, with rights groups and legal experts questioning the jurisdiction of the military court over civilians and the political motivations behind the charges.
The next hearing is scheduled for December 10, 2024, following a request by Besigye's defence team for an adjournment to allow time for Karua's application to be processed.
Karua's protest letter also highlighted what she described as 'disparaging and personalized aspersions' on her character by the council. She urged the council to exercise its discretion under the Advocates Act judiciously and to respect regional cooperation principles, particularly within the East African Community.
Dr. Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate and long-time critic of President Yoweri Museveni, has faced numerous arrests and trials over his activism. His current trial has further heightened tensions in Uganda's political landscape.
Karua, a former Kenyan Justice Minister, was seen as a significant boost to the defence team, which includes over 50 lawyers and representatives from the Pan-African Lawyers Union (PALU) and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ).
Wycliffe Nyamasege
