The East Africa Law Society (EALS) has raised concern over the reported denial of entry and intended deportation of Kenyan senior counsel Martha Karua from Uganda, terming the move a violation of regional legal frameworks and the rights of East African citizens.
In a statement issued on Monday, EALS President Ramah Abubakar said the organization had received reports indicating that Karua was blocked from entering Uganda upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport.
The two had travelled to attend a scheduled bail ruling in the case involving Kampala-based lawyer and opposition figure Erias Lukwago.
While Kanjama was allowed entry into Uganda, Karua was reportedly held at the airport and remains incommunicado.
Her legal team indicated that efforts to reach her have been unsuccessful, with her mobile phones switched off and no direct communication from Ugandan authorities regarding her status or possible deportation.
Karua is currently part of the legal team representing Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who faces treason-related charges.
She has been actively involved in the case since Besigye’s controversial arrest in Nairobi in November 2024. Her participation in Uganda’s legal proceedings is backed by a valid practicing certificate recognized within the country.
The statement further noted that Karua’s legal credentials extend across the region, as she is a member of both the Law Society of Kenya and the East Africa Law Society.
She also previously served in Kenya’s Cabinet, including as Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
Her detention comes amid heightened political tension in Uganda following the arrest of Erias Lukwago earlier this month.
Lukwago, who is co-leading Besigye’s defense alongside Karua, was taken into custody during a security operation conducted by Uganda’s Special Forces Command.
He was later charged with misprision of treason, a charge linked to alleged concealment of information related to a treason plot.
Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, publicly confirmed Lukwago’s arrest through his social media platforms, further drawing attention to the case.
The circumstances surrounding Karua’s detention have raised questions about the treatment of foreign legal practitioners and the broader implications for regional legal cooperation.