KAMPALA, Uganda: Kenyan senior lawyer, Martha Karua, who Dr Kiiza Besigye had instructed to head his defense team in the fresh highly contentious felonies, has poked fun at lady judge, Justice Irene Mulyagonja Kakooza. This was after the latter, who heads the Law Council, which is mandated to issue temporary practising licenses to foreign lawyers so as to practise in the country, denied one to the former.
Dr. Besigye, a longtime critic of President Yoweri Museveni’s administration, had sought Karua, a former Kenyan Minister of Justice, to lead his defense against charges of illegal possession of arms and ammunition. However, the Law Council, under Justice Mulyagonja, rejected Karua’s application. In her ruling, Mulyagonja dismissed Karua’s potential contributions as offering no “special skills” to the case, a decision that Karua swiftly rebuffed with a pointed critique.
Karua’s Rejoinder: A Question of Justice
Karua, known for her fiery independence and staunch advocacy for the rule of law, accused Mulyagonja of undermining Dr. Besigye’s fundamental right to a legal defense of his choice. “By denying my license, Justice Mulyagonja has obstructed access to justice,” Karua said in a statement. She suggested the move was part of a broader strategy to tilt the scales of justice against Dr. Besigye, who was controversially abducted from Kenya and brought to Uganda under unclear circumstances.
Karua’s rebuttal also poked fun at Mulyagonja’s legal history, alluding to her tenure as Uganda’s Inspector General of Government (IGG). “It appears old habits of bending justice for convenience die hard,” she quipped, highlighting what she called the “weaponization of legal technicalities” to stifle opposition voices.
The Besigye Cases: A Pattern of Contention
Dr. Besigye’s legal troubles are not new. Over the years, the government has filed several high-profile cases against him, including treason and rape charges, many of which have been dismissed. This time, however, the charges seem to carry an undertone of political suppression, with speculation that the government may escalate the current arms charges to treason.
Sources close to the investigation allege the government possesses an audio recording of Besigye allegedly mobilizing for armed resistance against Gen. Museveni’s government. The accusations have drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders and human rights activists, who argue that the charges are fabricated.
Besigye himself has dismissed the army court proceedings as illegal, citing a constitutional court ruling barring military courts from trying civilians. While the Attorney General appealed the ruling, Uganda’s Supreme Court has delayed resolving the matter for over two years. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” Besigye remarked during a court appearance, calling the delays a calculated move to keep him entangled in legal battles.
Regional Fallout and Activist Uproar
The controversy surrounding Besigye’s trial has spilled beyond Uganda’s borders. Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, joined the chorus of dissent, accusing the government of framing Besigye and demanding his unconditional release. Meanwhile, activists have taken the matter to the East African Court of Justice, alleging that both Uganda and Kenya violated international law in Besigye’s alleged cross-border abduction.
Government’s Defense: Security at Stake?
Ugandan authorities remain steadfast, with Brigadier Felix Kulayigye, spokesperson for the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, asserting that the state has solid evidence linking Besigye to security threats. “This is not about politics but national security,” Kulayigye said in a televised address.
A Battle Far From Over
The legal and political drama continues to unfold, with Karua’s sharp criticism adding fuel to an already raging fire. Observers suggest the case could have far-reaching implications for Uganda’s judiciary and its relationship with international human rights standards.
For now, all eyes remain on the courtroom, where the next chapter of this contentious saga will play out. Will Dr. Besigye’s defense overcome what many see as insurmountable odds, or will the government’s legal machinery prevail? Only time will tell.
Author Profile
- Mr. Stephen Kasozi Muwambi is a seasoned crime investigative writer, majoring in judicial-based stories. His two decades’ experience as a senior investigative journalist has made him one of the best to reckon on in Uganda. He can also be reached via [email protected]
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Good piece