Kanyeihamba Blasts Mulyagonja for Denying Martha Karua Practicing Certificate

Renowned Ugandan jurist and former Supreme Court Justice, George Kanyeihamba, has launched a scathing attack on Justice Irene Mulyagonja and the Uganda Law Council for their decision to deny Kenyan Senior Counsel and former Justice Minister, Martha Karua, a temporary practicing certificate. 

Kanyeihamba described the move as politically motivated and a blow to the integrity of Uganda’s legal system.

“It is reprehensible that Justice Mulyagonja and the entire law council prioritize politics over the law,” Kanyeihamba said. 

“How can an individual who grapples with rudimentary decisions be entrusted to render impartial judgments in politically sensitive matters?” he added.

“Within the legal realm, garnering respect necessitates the fortitude to stand resolute and render verdicts, rather than yielding to political influence.”

Drama

The controversy erupted after the Uganda Law Council rejected Karua’s application for a temporary license to defend opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and his associate, Hajj Obeid Lutale, who are facing charges of illegal possession of firearms in the General Court Martial. 

The pair were arrested in Nairobi, Kenya, on November 16, 2024, where they planned to attend a book launch hosted by Karua.

The State accuses the duo of engaging in acts that threaten state security and possession of firearms. 

Karua, who had been nominated to lead the defense team by Kampala Lord Mayor and lawyer Erias Lukwago, said she fulfilled the legal requirements to practice in Uganda. 

This included her affiliation with Lukwago’s law firm and her standing as a lawyer from a Commonwealth country. 

However, the Law Council dismissed her application, claiming it was politically motivated and that Karua had participated in unprofessional acts including storming the offices of the Chief Justice. 

Karua criticized the decision as a personal attack and a step backward for regional integration under the East African Community (EAC). 

“You would expect that the Law Council would use their discretion in determining whether to grant a license. This decision not only undermines Uganda’s legal system but also contradicts President Museveni’s advocacy for the EAC,” Karua said.

Despite being barred from actively participating in the court proceedings, Karua plans to attend today’s hearing as part of the defense team, though she will remain silent.

The trial of Besigye and Lutale continues this Tuesday, December 10, 2024, in the General Court Martial, with heightened scrutiny on the judicial process and its political undertones.