Prominent Kenyan lawyer and former Justice Minister Martha Karua was denied entry into Uganda and deported on Monday, June 22, 2026, shortly after arriving at Entebbe International Airport. The move has sparked strong condemnation from legal bodies and opposition figures, who view it as an assault on the legal profession and cross-border judicial cooperation.
Karua had traveled to Kampala to support the defense team of former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who faces charges of misprision of treason. She also intended to bolster the legal team representing Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale in their high-profile treason trial. A delegation including Law Society of Kenya President Charles Kanjama accompanied her; while other members were allowed entry, immigration officials singled out Karua and ordered her return to Nairobi.
Ugandan authorities provided no official explanation for the deportation. Karua was reportedly held incommunicado for several hours at the airport before being placed on a flight back to Kenya. Her team later confirmed her safe arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
In a strongly worded statement, Besigye’s defense team described the incident as “a deliberate dismantling of a legal team by extra-judicial means.” They argued that Karua’s presence was purely professional—to observe proceedings and provide regional support at a critical time—and warned that the action undermines the ability of advocates across East Africa to represent clients freely.
The Uganda Law Society, East Africa Law Society, and Law Society of Kenya have all expressed deep concern. ULS Deputy President Antony Asiimwe, who was at the airport to receive the delegation, voiced shock at the lack of justification from immigration officials.
The deportation occurred on the same day Lukwago appeared before Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court for his bail application hearing. Chief Magistrate Sarah Basemera deferred the ruling, stating it would be communicated electronically via the Electronic Court Management Information System (ECCMIS) within 24 hours. Lukwago was subsequently remanded back to Luzira Prison. His legal team, led by Medard Sseggona, had highlighted his deteriorating health—including spinal injuries, breathing difficulties, and risks of tuberculosis exposure—as grounds for release.
Lukwago denies the charges, which relate to alleged failure to report treasonous plans linked to Besigye between 2021 and November 2024. The main case is scheduled for mention on June 30, 2026. His supporters and family continue to press for humanitarian consideration given his medical condition.
This latest development has intensified scrutiny over political cases in Uganda, with critics pointing to patterns of intimidation against lawyers handling sensitive matters. Karua’s deportation echoes a similar incident last year when she was barred from Tanzania while seeking to support opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
As regional legal societies demand answers and accountability, the incident underscores growing tensions around judicial independence and the free movement of legal professionals in East Africa. Further updates on both Karua’s case and Lukwago’s bail ruling are expected in the coming days.
