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Martha Karua had a brief conversation with Brigadier Richard Tukacungurwa, a judge advocate from Uganda
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The officer was displeased with Karua referring to the court as a “tribunal” and offered to give her guidance, stating that she originates from a foreign nation.
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Karua was in court to represent Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye, alongside his aide, who were allegedly abducted in Nairobi.
Former Kenyan Justice minister Martha Karua was the focus of attention after a heated confrontation at a court martial hearing in Uganda between her and Brigadier Richard Tukacungurwa, Uganda’s judge advocate.
The exchange focused on her mention of the military court as a “tribunal,” which fell short of meeting the protocol officer’s expectations.
The visibly annoyed officer intervened to clarify that he had the authority to provide guidance to the court.
“I am mandated to inform the court and all legal representatives present that we are not a tribunal. This is simply a General Court Martial under the RPDF Act. Therefore, anyone referring to this court as a tribunal will be held in contempt of court,” he stated.
“I’m still advising you, please don’t mention that name. I know you’re from a foreign country,” the officer said.
Undeterred, Karua replied with poise and confidence, solidifying her reputation as an accomplished attorney.
“We’re talking about a girl who, just like you, has served as a magistrate and an advocate, and has perfectly qualified credentials to represent clients in Uganda,” she said as the audience applauded.
Karua instructed the officer to refrain from issuing rulings and verdicts, citing that his role was confined to advising the court.
“You guide, you don’t issue a verdict,” Karua replied as Bisigye’s supporters applauded.
A visibly upset Judge Advocate suddenly changed his tone and warned Karua against using the word ‘tribunal’ again.
“Now, proceed with the trial, but we must avoid using the term ‘tribunal’ within this courtroom,” he instructed, his voice carrying a sense of urgency as he struck the desk.
She then spoke to the court in the absence of a further response from the judge advocate.
She opposed the sudden arrest of one of Kizza Besigye’s supporters, Eron Kizza, who was sentenced to nine months in prison for allegedly attempting to defy a court order.
Is Martha Karua qualified to practice law in Uganda?
Martha Karua recently received a temporary practicing certificate from the Uganda Law Council.
Initially, the law council had rejected her application, citing that the supporting documents were incomplete and that there could be potential political ramifications.
However, following a plea supported by the Uganda Law Society, the Council reversed its decision, recognizing the significance of transnational legal representation within the East African Community.
The article reported the appearance of Martha Karua, a Kenyan opposition politician, in a Ugandan court. According to sources, Karua, the presidential candidate’s running mate, asserted that she must appear because of a loan credit dispute.
Karua’s presence in Uganda is a result of her decision to represent Dr. Kizza Besigye, a long-time political rival of President Museveni.
Robert Kyagulanyi, a former doctor turned politician, has been an outspoken proponent of democratic reforms in Uganda, and has encountered numerous arrests throughout his career.
A Ugandan opposition leader and his aide, accompanied by Hajji Obeid Lutale, reportedly went missing during Karua’s book release ceremony in Nairobi, and reportedly brought to Uganda for prosecution before a military court.
