Crashing Blow To Besigye's Team As Major Lawyer Gets Arrested Raising Tension Of Museveni's Plot

Dr. Kizza Besigye’s legal defense team suffered a significant blow after the arrest of Rt. Major Ronald Iduli, a key member of his defense.

Authorities reportedly broke into Iduli’s home in Bulenga at 5:00 am, detaining him just hours before the military tribunal proceedings where he was scheduled to appear.

Adding to the turmoil, the Uganda Law Council has denied Kenyan Senior Counsel Martha Wangari Karua a special practicing certificate, a decision criticized as undermining the independence of the legal profession.

In a press release, Uganda Law Society President Isaac Ssemakadde termed the decision “per incuriam” (legally flawed), citing a violation of Article 19 of the International Bar Association (IBA) Standards for the Independence of the Legal Profession.

Ssemakadde highlighted that Karua’s right to practice should have been facilitated, as the IBA standards allow foreign lawyers to collaborate with local counterparts in litigation.

He further disclosed that he was excluded from the Law Council’s deliberations and vowed to support Karua’s reapplication to secure her license.

This double blow—Iduli’s arrest and Karua’s license denial—poses a significant challenge to Besigye’s defense in the military tribunal.

Observers argue that the actions reflect broader attempts to stifle opposition and suppress fair legal representation.

The Uganda Law Society has pledged to fight for reforms ensuring the independence of the legal profession and protecting lawyers from discrimination based on origin or political affiliations.