Martha Karua, a kenyan politician is leading a 50 member legal team in Uganda to defend opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye in his trial before the General court martial in Kampala. Besigye and his co-accused Hajji Obeid lutale face charges of illegal possession of fire arms and alleged security related offences. These accusations, widely criticised as political motivated have drawn international attention.

Karua and the team include lawyers from organisations such as the pan African lawyers union and the international commission of jurists. To participate in Uganda’s legal proceedings, Karua is obtaining a temporary practising certificate, a process expedited due to Kenya’s membership in the East Africa Community and commonwealth.

This case follows Besigye’s controversial arrested in Nairobi during Karua’s book launch after which he was reportedly taken to Uganda under disputed circumstances. Both Kenya and Uganda authorities deny any wrongdoing in his transfer.