Martha Karua Storms Ugandan Court to Defend Besigye Amid Treason Drama

Martha Karua Storms Ugandan Court to Defend Besigye Amid Treason Drama

Renowned Kenyan lawyer and politician Martha Karua has arrived in Uganda under heavy tension to defend opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who faces treason charges that could lead to a death sentence.

Karua, a Senior Counsel and the People’s Liberation Party leader, joined Besigye’s legal team on Wednesday, May 21 at Nakawa Magistrates Court. Her move comes just days after her controversial deportation from Tanzania, which sparked outrage across East Africa.

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Karua and Ngugi Enter Uganda Without Trouble

Before heading to court, Karua shared her safe entry into Uganda on social media, alongside human rights activist Lynn Ngugi, who had also been detained and deported from Tanzania.

“In Uganda with @ngugi_lynn for @kizzabesigye1 & Obeid Lutale case. Our entry was without a hitch in the spirit of @jumuiya,” Karua posted on X.

Their return to the frontline of human rights defense comes at a critical moment.

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Besigye Appears in Court Under Tight Security

Dr. Kizza Besigye, a four-time Ugandan presidential candidate, appeared in court flanked by aide Obeid Lutale and UPDF Captain Denis Oola. The trio was surrounded by intense security forces.

They face the capital offence of treason, which in Uganda, could lead to execution if found guilty.

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Shocking Accusations Unfold in Court

The Ugandan State alleges that from 2023 to 2024, Besigye and his co-accused planned to overthrow the government through foreign military and financial support.

Prosecutors claimed, “They held meetings in Geneva, Athens, Nairobi, and Kampala to secure armed backing.”

Investigators further revealed that they allegedly recruited and trained Ugandans in Kenya for armed rebellion.

They also face an alternative charge of misprision of treason — failing to report a treasonous plot.

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Health Concerns Ignored, Plea Deferred

During the proceedings, Besigye’s lawyer Erias Lukwago pleaded with the court to transfer Besigye to a medical facility, citing deteriorating health.

However, Magistrate Esther Nyadoi declined, stating:

“I have no jurisdiction to grant such requests. The matter must go to the High Court.”

Because treason cases can only be heard in the High Court, the accused did not enter a plea. They were then remanded to Luzira Prison under tight guard.

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A Legal Battle With Regional Impact

Karua’s involvement has transformed this trial into a regional human rights showdown. Her swift action and unwavering presence signal growing pressure on Uganda’s judiciary to uphold justice and transparency.

ALSO READ: Martha Karua Condemns Abduction of Uganda’s Besigye, Calls for Accountability

Martha Karua Storms Ugandan Court to Defend Besigye Amid Treason Drama