Kenyan Lawyer Martha Karua Blocked from Entering Uganda
Leading Kenyan lawyer and former Justice Minister Martha Karua has been prevented from entering Uganda and instructed to return to Kenya, according to the Uganda Law Society.
Karua had arrived at Entebbe airport intending to join a legal team defending her Ugandan colleague Erias Lukwago. Together, they have been representing detained opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who is currently on trial for treason.
Lukwago himself was charged with a treason-related offence last week, with his bail hearing scheduled for Monday.
A statement from Karua's office indicated that she was detained at the airport and was expected to return to Nairobi on Monday but has since been unreachable.
"Her senior team reports that she is unreachable, with her mobile phones switched off and they continue to await direct communication regarding her status and expected return,"
Ugandan authorities have not provided a reason for blocking Karua’s entry, although Kenya's Law Society President Charles Kanjama, who was traveling with her, was permitted to enter Uganda.
Kanjama expressed concern over the decision, noting that Karua was traveling for the same professional purpose as himself.
"It is difficult to understand why one member of a defence team should be admitted while another is turned away,"
he wrote on X, urging Ugandan authorities to clarify their actions.
Uganda's immigration officials have not responded to requests for comment from the BBC.
Context of the Legal Cases
Lukwago appeared in court last Wednesday appearing weak, days after his arrest at his home. He denied charges of failing to report treason related to Besigye’s case and was remanded in prison.
Besigye has been imprisoned on treason charges since his abduction in Kenya and forcible return to Uganda in late 2024. His abduction, along with that of his aide Obeid Lutale, has sparked significant regional debate regarding legal jurisdiction and human rights.
Support from Kenyan Legal Community
The Law Society of Kenya expressed support on Monday for legal professionals across East Africa who continue to uphold justice despite challenging conditions.
It called on relevant authorities to clarify the circumstances surrounding Karua’s denial of entry to Uganda.
The BBC has contacted the Kenyan government for comment.
Previous Challenges Faced by Karua
Karua encountered multiple obstacles before being authorized to represent Besigye, including an initial rejection of her application to practice law in Uganda.
Last year, she was deported from Tanzania to prevent her from attending the court case of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is also facing treason charges.
