Senior Counsel Martha Karua has been denied entry into Uganda in a move that has sparked concern among lawyers and rights activists across the region.
Karua had travelled to Kampala to join the defence team representing Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago in a case involving opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye and his aide Obeid Lutale.
According to a statement issued by the Uganda Law Society, Karua was stopped by immigration officials upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport and instructed to return to Kenya.
The lawyers’ body said Karua had travelled alongside Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo Kanjama, SC, and other members of the legal team. While the rest of the delegation was cleared to enter Uganda, Karua was singled out and denied entry.
“Hon. Martha Karua was denied entry and instructed to return to her home country,” the Uganda Law Society said, adding that no explanation was given for the decision.
In a separate statement, the society described the move as troubling, noting that Karua is part of the legal team representing Besigye and Lutale in one of Uganda’s most closely watched cases.
The development comes ahead of proceedings at the Makindye Court, where Lukwago was expected to appear as part of the defence team.
Karua later confirmed she had been blocked from entering the country, saying she had not been informed of the reasons behind the decision.
The incident is likely to fuel fresh debate over access to legal representation and the treatment of lawyers involved in politically sensitive cases in the region.
It also raises questions about the free movement of professionals within the East African Community, particularly at a time when cross-border legal cooperation has become increasingly common.
By Sunday evening, Ugandan authorities had not publicly explained why Karua was denied entry while other members of the legal delegation were allowed into the country.