NAIROBI, Kenya — Senior Kenyan lawyer and former Justice Minister Martha Karua was on Monday denied entry into Uganda upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, triggering concern among legal and human rights groups and raising fresh questions about the treatment of lawyers involved in high-profile opposition cases.
Ms. Karua, who serves as lead counsel for veteran Ugandan opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye in an ongoing treason case, had travelled to Kampala to support the legal team representing former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago as a court prepared to rule on his bail application.
According to the Uganda Law Society (ULS), Karua arrived in Uganda alongside a delegation that included Law Society of Kenya President Charles Kanjama and other lawyers.
While the rest of the delegation was cleared by immigration officials, Karua was reportedly singled out, denied entry and instructed to return to Kenya. The society said no explanation was provided for the decision.
The incident occurred shortly before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Makindye convened to consider matters relating to Lukwago, who is facing charges of misprision of treason and was recently remanded to Luzira Prison. Prosecutors allege that Lukwago failed to disclose information relating to an alleged treason plot involving Besigye.
Uganda Law Society Deputy President Antony Asiimwe, who was at the airport to receive the Kenyan delegation, described the development as surprising and said immigration officials did not provide any legal grounds for Karua’s exclusion.
The society has since called for clarification from Ugandan authorities, arguing that the move raises concerns about access to legal representation and the ability of advocates to participate in matters before the courts.
By Monday afternoon, Uganda’s immigration authorities and the Ministry of Internal Affairs had not publicly explained why Karua was denied entry.
Ms. Karua has become a prominent figure in several politically sensitive cases across East Africa. In Uganda, she has represented Besigye and his co-accused Hajj Obeid Lutale in legal proceedings that have drawn regional and international attention.
Her involvement in Ugandan opposition cases has previously generated controversy. In 2024, Uganda’s Law Council declined to grant her a practising certificate to represent Besigye before a military court, a decision that sparked criticism from regional legal bodies and the East African legal community.
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The latest development comes amid heightened political tensions in Uganda following the 2026 general elections and a series of arrests, prosecutions and legal disputes involving opposition politicians and their lawyers.
Ms. Karua’s denial of entry is likely to attract scrutiny beyond Uganda, particularly given her profile as a senior counsel and regional political figure. The incident also follows previous cases in which she was denied entry into neighbouring countries while seeking to participate in legal or political engagements involving opposition figures.
Legal observers say the decision could further fuel debate about judicial independence, cross-border legal practice within the East African Community (EAC), and the rights of advocates to represent clients in politically sensitive matters.
As of press time, Karua had not publicly detailed the circumstances of her deportation, while Ugandan authorities had yet to issue an official statement explaining the decision.
