Former Kenyan justice minister blocked from entering Uganda

Martha Karua, a leading Kenyan lawyer and former Justice Minister, was denied entry at Entebbe Airport and ordered to return to Nairobi, according to the Uganda Law Society.

Karua had just arrived to support her Ugandan colleague Erias Lukwago, who is defending opposition leader Kizza Besigye in a treason trial. Lukwago himself was charged with a treason‑related offence last week, and his bail hearing had been due on Monday.

A statement from Karua’s office said she had been detained at the airport and was expected to return home on Monday, but she remains incommunicado. Her mobile phones were switched off and her team awaits clarification on her status.

Ugandan authorities offered no reason for the denial, though Minister Kanjama—who traveled with Karua—was allowed in. Kanjama expressed concern that one team member was turned away while another was admitted, and he called for an explanation from Ugandan officials.

The incident highlights the tensions surrounding legal practice across East Africa. Besigye has been jailed on treason charges since his 2024 abduction by Kenyan authorities and subsequent forced return to Uganda, sparking debates on jurisdiction and human rights.

Karua faced previous hurdles, including rejection of her application to practise in Uganda and deportation from Tanzania for attending a court case involving opposition leader Tundu Lissu.

The Kenyan Law Society has expressed support for legal professionals across the region who confront difficult circumstances and has called for clarity from Uganda regarding Karua’s denied entry.

A photo of Karua at the airport shows her at the gate, wearing a black lawyer robe, awaiting decisions. UNESCO highlighted the importance of cross‑border collaboration for fair trials in the region.