Karua made the remarks on Sunday, December 1, 2024, while responding to social media reports that Ugandan authorities had rejected her application for the crucial document.

She confirmed that she is already in Kampala ahead of the mention of the case against Besigye and his close ally, Obeid Kamulegeya, who are currently in remand following their controversial arrest in Nairobi by Ugandan authorities in mid-November. The authorities accuse them of engaging in activities that undermine Uganda’s security.

“I am hopeful of getting the license and already in Kampala,” Karua wrote on X.

Karua was recently appointed to lead a team of 50 lawyers in mounting a spirited defence for the two men, who were apprehended in the Kenyan capital while attending the launch of her book on November 16, 2024. She took over the lead role from Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.

The star-studded legal team includes representatives from notable organizations such as the Pan-African Lawyers Union (PALU) and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ).

“This team is a demonstration of our commitment to justice,” Lukwago stated during a past press conference. “Hon. Martha Karua has graciously agreed to lead this team, and her extensive legal expertise will be invaluable in this fight against what we believe are politically motivated charges.”

Lukwago also explained that arrangements were underway to obtain the temporary practising certificate required for Karua to participate in legal proceedings in Kampala, in accordance with Uganda’s Advocates Act.

He noted that, as Kenya is part of both the East African Community and the Commonwealth, the process is expected to proceed without hitches.

“We’ve already submitted Karua’s application and are confident it will be finalized swiftly. For now, the legal team will be attached to Lukwago and Company Advocates to ensure seamless collaboration between Ugandan and Kenyan lawyers,” he added.

Besigye and Kamulegeya were arraigned in a military court in Kampala on November 20 and remanded until December 2 on charges of soliciting logistical support and identifying military targets in Uganda, intending to undermine the security of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), and illegal possession of two pistols and eight rounds of ammunition.

Kenyan lawyer and former justice minister Martha Karua says she is hopeful of securing a temporary practising license to lead the defence team in the trial of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye.