Ugandan Authorities Block Former Kenyan Justice Minister Martha Karua at Entebbe Airport
Martha Karua, a prominent Kenyan lawyer and former Justice Minister, was prevented from entering Uganda upon her arrival at Entebbe airport. Authorities directed her to return to Kenya, as confirmed by the Uganda Law Society.
Karua had travelled to Uganda to support the legal team defending her Ugandan colleague, Erias Lukwago. Both lawyers have been representing Kizza Besigye, a detained opposition leader who is currently facing treason charges. Lukwago himself was charged with a treason-related offence last week and was due for a bail hearing.
Ugandan authorities provided no official explanation for blocking Karua’s entry. Charles Kanjama, President of Kenya's Law Society, who travelled with Karua, was permitted to enter the country. Kanjama expressed concern, noting Karua was travelling for the same matter and in the same professional capacity as himself, calling the decision incomprehensible.
Kizza Besigye has been imprisoned on treason charges since his rendition from Kenya to Uganda in late 2024. This incident, which also involved his aide Obeid Lutale, prompted significant regional discussion regarding legal jurisdiction and human rights. Karua had previously faced obstacles in Uganda, including an initial rejection of her application to practise law, before being cleared to represent Besigye. Last year, she was also deported from Tanzania while attempting to attend a court case for opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is also charged with treason.
