Martha Karua Denied Entry Into Uganda Amid Growing Concerns Over Opposition Legal Cases

Senior Counsel Martha Karua was on Monday denied entry into Uganda upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, in a move that has drawn concern from legal practitioners and human rights advocates across the region.

According to statements from the Uganda Law Society and reports from legal officials, Karua had travelled to Kampala to support the defence team representing former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who is facing a treason related charge known as misprision of treason. She was reportedly instructed by immigration officials to return to Kenya without being provided with reasons for the decision.

Law Society of Kenya President Charles Kanjama, who was travelling with Karua, was reportedly allowed entry into Uganda, while Karua was denied access. Other members of the delegation were also cleared to enter the country. The Uganda Law Society described the development as concerning, particularly given Karua's role as a member of the legal team involved in ongoing high profile proceedings.

Karua has been actively involved in the defence of Ugandan opposition figures, including veteran opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye and his co accused Hajj Obeid Lutale. Earlier this month, she joined Erias Lukwago and other lawyers in reviewing evidence and preparing legal strategies in the treason case against Besigye.

The latest development comes amid heightened scrutiny of legal and political events in Uganda. Lukwago, a senior opposition figure and lawyer, was arrested by security forces last week before being charged with misprision of treason. Prosecutors allege that he failed to report information relating to treasonous activities, accusations he has strongly denied. A court in Kampala subsequently remanded him as legal proceedings continue.

Lukwago's arrest triggered widespread criticism from opposition groups and legal organizations. Reports indicate that he was detained after becoming involved in legal proceedings linked to opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who is himself facing treason charges. The Uganda Law Society and several legal practitioners have questioned the circumstances surrounding the arrest and prosecution.

Before being denied entry, Karua had publicly expressed concern over what she described as increasing pressure on defence lawyers handling politically sensitive cases in Uganda. She recently petitioned Uganda's Chief Justice and Attorney General, urging them to safeguard judicial independence and ensure lawyers can perform their duties without intimidation or interference.

The denial of entry occurred as Lukwago awaited a court ruling on his bail application. Legal observers say the move could further intensify concerns about access to legal representation in ongoing opposition related cases. At the time of publication, Ugandan immigration authorities had not publicly explained why Karua was prevented from entering the country.

The incident is expected to generate debate within East Africa's legal community, with regional bodies likely to seek clarification on the circumstances surrounding Karua's exclusion from Uganda and its implications for cross border legal practice and the right to legal representation.