The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has confirmed that Kenyan senior counsel Martha Karua was on Monday morning denied entry into Uganda upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, in a move that has sparked concern within regional legal and human rights circles.
In a breaking update, the Uganda Law Society stated that Karua, who is part of the defence team for opposition figures Dr. Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale, was stopped by immigration authorities and ordered to return to her point of origin without being given any official reason for the decision.
“BREAKING: Dr. Kizza Besigye and Obeid Lutale's lead counsel Hon. Martha Karua, SC, denied entry at Entebbe International Airport. She has been ordered to return and given no reason,” the Law Society said in its statement.
The statement further noted that Karua was travelling in the company of Law Society of Kenya President Charles Kanjama, SC, who was reportedly allowed entry into Uganda.
The contrasting treatment of the two legal representatives has raised questions among observers about the criteria used by immigration authorities in handling foreign counsel linked to politically sensitive cases.
Karua, a prominent Kenyan legal practitioner and former Justice Minister, has been actively involved in cross-border legal and human rights advocacy, often appearing in high-profile constitutional and political cases in the region.
Her reported exclusion comes at a time when Uganda is closely monitoring proceedings involving Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, whose bail ruling is expected to attract significant public and legal attention at the Makindye Magistrate Court.
Legal observers say the incident could raise diplomatic and procedural questions within the East African legal fraternity, particularly on the movement of counsel representing clients in politically charged cases.