Nairobi, Kenya – December 10, 2024: The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has issued a scathing response to the Law Council of Uganda’s decision to reject Senior Counsel Martha Karua’s application for a temporary practicing certificate. Karua had sought to represent Dr. Kiiza Besigye and Obeid Lutale in the General Court Martial in Kampala.
In a statement released today, LSK President Faith Odhiambo described the Ugandan decision as “derogatory, contemptuous, and high-handed.” The move, she said, undermines the spirit of regional legal cooperation and disregards the mutual respect that should exist between Kenyan and Ugandan legal practitioners.
LSK Denounces Lack of Reciprocity
The LSK highlighted Kenya’s progressive stance in promoting cross-border legal practice, including welcoming non-Kenyan advocates, many of whom hail from Uganda. However, Odhiambo noted a lack of reciprocity from Uganda, accusing the Law Council of Uganda of maintaining unreasonable constraints that hinder Kenyan lawyers from practicing across the border.
“This decision not only offends the mutual cooperation that exists between the Kenyan and Ugandan bar, but the manner in which it was communicated and the reasons given are ludicrous and distasteful,” the statement read.
Tough Measures Proposed
The LSK announced plans to engage Kenya’s Attorney General to address the long-standing impasse over cross-border legal practice. Should these efforts fail, the society is considering suspending the admission of Ugandan advocates to practice law in Kenya.
“This measure, though regrettable, is necessary to uphold the dignity and equity of Kenyan legal practice,” Odhiambo added.
Call for Regional Cooperation
The LSK reaffirmed its commitment to fostering mutual respect and equity in regional legal cooperation. However, it warned that continued unilateral restrictions by Uganda could lead to Kenya withdrawing from existing cross-border agreements.
This incident is expected to ignite a broader discussion on the future of regional legal collaboration within East Africa.
