The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has strongly condemned the Uganda Law Council’s decision to deny Martha Karua, a Senior Counsel, a temporary practicing certificate. LSK President Faith Odhiambo termed the move as “derogatory, contemptuous, and high-handed”.
Karua had requested the temporary license to represent opposition leader Kizza Besigye at the General Court Martial in Kampala. However, the Uganda Law Council rejected her application, sparking outrage from the LSK.
Odhiambo argued that the decision undermines regional legal cooperation and offends the mutual cooperation between the Kenyan and Ugandan bars. She also pointed out that the Uganda Law Council disregarded Article 19 of the IBA Standards for the Independence of the Legal Profession.
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has also condemned the Law Council’s decision, with ULS President Isaac Ssemakadde urging Karua to reapply for the license. Ssemakadde argued that the Law Council’s decision is illegal and undermines the independence of the legal profession.
The LSK has vowed to take action, with Odhiambo stating that the society will engage the Attorney General to address the issue of cross-border practice. The LSK is also considering suspending the admission of advocates from the Uganda Law Society until reciprocal arrangements are put in place.
