By Annet Nakanwagi,
KAMPALA
The General Court Martial in Makindye has ruled against allowing Martha Karua, the lead lawyer for Dr. Kizza Besigye, to represent him in ongoing proceedings.
On Tuesday, the seven-member court, chaired by Brig. Gen. Freeman Mugabe, upheld its decision to allow only three lawyers—Fredrick Mpanga, Apollo Katumba, and Ernest Kalibala of AF Mpanga and Company Advocates—who were formally authorized by Dr. Besigye in writing.
Dr. Besigye, however, maintains that he has instructed additional lawyers, including Martha Karua, and insists on their representation. The Uganda Law Council had granted Ms. Karua a temporary practicing certificate on Monday to handle his case.
Dr. Besigye and his co-accused, Hajji Obeid Lutale, were arrested at the Riverside Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya, last November and charged with unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. Authorities allege the pair held meetings in Athens, Geneva, and Nairobi to solicit logistical support and identify military targets in Uganda, actions deemed prejudicial to national security.
Both Dr. Besigye and Hajji Lutale deny the charges and remain in custody at Luzira Prison as investigations by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces continue.
