Martha Karua Challenges Museveni to Uphold Rule of Law

[Da Dona]

Kenyan lawyer and opposition politician Martha Karua has called on President Yoweri Museveni to restore the rule of law in Uganda, warning that actions targeting lawyers and legal practitioners could undermine judicial independence and access to justice.

Speaking at a gathering organized by the Uganda Law Society in Kampala, Karua said lawyers have a constitutional obligation to defend equality before the law, the independence of courts, and fundamental human rights.

"We are here to stand up for the rule of law, equality under the law, and the independence of the courts," Karua told the gathering.

Her remarks came amid growing concern within Uganda's legal fraternity following the arrest of senior lawyer and former Kampala Lord Mayor Elias Lukwago . Lukwago was reportedly taken from his home in Wakaliga by armed security personnel earlier today on Monday in an operation that sparked criticism from lawyers, opposition politicians, and human rights advocates.

Karua and Lukwago have been part of the legal team representing opposition figure Kizza Besigye and were reportedly preparing legal action against Muhoozi Kainerugaba over Besigye's arrest in Kenya and subsequent transfer to Uganda.

The veteran Kenyan politician warned that intimidation of lawyers handling politically sensitive cases could discourage advocates from taking on contentious matters and weaken public confidence in the justice system.
"Today's actions are a harbinger of intimidation against counsel in Uganda and, by extension, against other lawyers who appear in such cases," Karua said.

She appealed directly to President Museveni, as Commander-in-Chief, to ensure that state institutions operate within the law and respect judicial independence.
"I appeal to President Museveni to restore the rule of law and ensure respect for judicial independence," she said.

Karua also called for the release of individuals she said had been detained contrary to established legal procedures and urged authorities to guarantee fair hearings before independent and impartial courts.

Despite the current tensions, Karua said lawyers would continue pursuing justice and defending constitutional principles regardless of the challenges they face.

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