Besigye Defense Team Condemns Detention, Threatened Deportation of Martha Karua

The defense team representing Ugandan opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye has strongly condemned the detention of Kenyan Senior Counsel Martha Karua at Entebbe International Airport. They accuse Ugandan authorities of deliberately targeting lawyers engaged in politically sensitive cases, a move they claim is intended to undermine legal representation for opposition figures.

In a statement released on Monday, the lawyers detailed that Karua was being held without access to her legal team, family, or colleagues. They stated she faced imminent deportation to Kenya after arriving to attend court proceedings for Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and to support Besigye and co-accused Hajj Obeid Lutale.

The defense team described Karua's detention as an "attack on the administration of justice." They linked the action to recent public statements by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, which they interpret as signals of an impending crackdown on opposition politicians and their legal counsel. These statements, attributed to social media posts, warned of a "Rectification Campaign" and commented on lawyers involved in ongoing legal disputes.

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This action is designed to strip the defence team of one of its leaders, deprive Erias Lukwago of support during his bail proceedings, and intimidate advocates representing accused persons.

"The purpose is unmistakable," the defense team asserted. "This action is designed to strip the defence team of one of its leaders, deprive Erias Lukwago of support during his bail proceedings, and intimidate advocates representing accused persons."

Furthermore, the lawyers argued that Karua's detention violates constitutional rights to personal liberty, fair hearing, and legal counsel. They also cited breaches of the East African Community Treaty and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, noting the denial of access to Kenyan diplomatic officials. The team demanded Karua's immediate release, unrestricted access, and a halt to any deportation until reasons are formally provided and legal challenges are exhausted. They urged the Uganda Law Society, the Law Society of Kenya, the East Africa Law Society, diplomatic missions, and international human rights bodies to intervene.

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The purpose is unmistakable.