The Uganda Law Society has pledged to advocate for Kenya’s Senior Lawyer Martha Karua’s opportunity to practice law in their nation.
This follows the rejection of Karua’s application for a special temporary practicing certificate to act as Kizza Besigye’s lead counsel.
On Monday, Karua wrote a letter to the Ugandan Law Council expressing her dissatisfaction with the decision that barred her from practicing in the country.
However, in a bid to restore hope for the lawyer, the Uganda Law Society has encouraged Karua to submit her application once more, promising to fight for her to obtain it.
“Yet, all hope is not lost. The Uganda Law Society has the authority to advocate for Ms. Karua’s case.
“I urge Ms. Karua SC to reapply through my office, referencing the IBA standards for the Independence of the Legal Profession,” stated the letter from Law Society President Isaac SSemakadde.
“I am dedicated to safeguarding her right to practice law in Uganda without bias based on origin or political views,” SSemakadde added.
In the letter dated Tuesday, December 10, SSemakadde described the Uganda Law Council’s decision as uninformed, accusing them of neglecting the independence of the legal profession.
He also highlighted the ill intent observed during the council’s vote on the decision and disclosed that he was not invited to participate in the vote, despite being a council member.
“I was intentionally not invited to the special session on December 6, 2024, which allegedly reviewed Martha Karua’s application.
“Had I been present, I would have clearly referenced Article 19,” he stated.
