NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenyan Senior Counsel Martha Karua was denied entry into Uganda on Monday and returned to Nairobi after immigration authorities classified her as a “prohibited immigrant,” according to an official notice issued at Entebbe International Airport.
The document, issued by Uganda’s Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control, instructed the airline that transported Karua to Uganda to immediately return her to Kenya on the same day.
The notice indicates that Martha Karua, a former Kenyan Justice Minister and Senior Advocate, was denied entry under provisions of Uganda’s immigration laws. In the section outlining the grounds for refusal, officials described her status as “persona non grata.”
Karua had travelled to Uganda to attend court proceedings involving Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and to offer support to the legal team representing opposition figure Dr Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale.
Her deportation came just hours after the Uganda Law Society (ULS) confirmed that she had been denied entry upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, triggering concern among legal practitioners in both Uganda and Kenya.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) said it had received reports confirming that Karua was turned away while travelling in her professional capacity to observe court proceedings and support efforts aimed at safeguarding legal representation in politically sensitive cases.
The lawyers’ body warned that the incident raised broader concerns beyond the circumstances of a single individual.
“The reported decision to deny her entry therefore raises concerns that extend beyond the circumstances of a single individual,” the LSK said.
The society also called for clarity from relevant authorities regarding the decision to bar the senior lawyer from entering Uganda.
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Karua’s deportation comes amid heightened attention surrounding the ongoing legal proceedings involving Erias Lukwago, who is facing treason-related charges linked to a broader case involving Besigye and Lutale.
The developments have intensified scrutiny of court processes and the participation of defence teams in politically sensitive matters within Uganda.
By Monday evening, Ugandan authorities had not issued a detailed public explanation beyond the immigration notice served at the airport.
The incident has since drawn reactions from legal and political circles in the region, with calls for clarification expected to continue as the case unfolds.
