Kenyan Senior Counsel and former Justice Minister Martha Karua was denied entry into Uganda on Monday, in a development likely to intensify regional scrutiny of the high-profile treason case involving Ugandan opposition leader Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye.
Karua, a prominent human rights advocate and member of Besigye’s legal team, said through her X page fornerky Twitter that she was stopped by immigration officials upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport and instructed to return to Kenya without being given any explanation.
She had travelled to Uganda alongside Charles Kanjama, President of the Law Society of Kenya.
While Kanjama was reportedly allowed into the country, Karua was denied entry and ordered to leave immediately.
The incident has sparked fresh debate over access to legal representation and the treatment of cross-border legal practitioners within the East African Community (EAC), whose member states promote the free movement of people and professional services.
Karua’s exclusion comes at a critical stage in the treason proceedings against Besigye, his co-accused Hajj Obeid Lutale, and Captain Denis Oola, all of whom deny the charges against them.
The move further weakens a defence team already under pressure following the arrest and remand of prominent Ugandan lawyer Erias Lukwago, who was recently charged with misprision of treason and remains in detention.
With Lukwago behind bars and Karua now unable to enter Uganda, two of the most senior figures associated with Besigye’s legal defence are effectively sidelined as preparations for the substantive hearing continue.
Regional Attention on a Controversial Case
Karua has been one of the most visible international legal figures involved in Besigye’s defence since early 2025, frequently travelling to Kampala to challenge the legality of his detention and advocate for what she describes as the protection of the accused persons’ constitutional rights.
She has repeatedly raised concerns over procedural delays, fair trial guarantees, and Besigye’s health while in detention.
Her most recent appearance before Uganda’s High Court came earlier this month, when she joined other defence lawyers in objecting to proceedings continuing without the physical presence of Besigye and Lutale after prison authorities failed to produce them in court.
The defence argued that proceeding in their absence would undermine their right to a fair hearing, prompting an adjournment.
The court has since moved closer to a full trial after Justice Emmanuel Baguma concluded preliminary hearings and appointed assessors despite objections from defence lawyers.
Long-running legal and diplomatic tensions
Karua’s relationship with Ugandan authorities over the Besigye case has been marked by repeated disputes.
Following the arrest of Besigye and Lutale in Nairobi in November 2024, where they had travelled to attend the launch of Karua’s book, the Kenyan lawyer sought to join the defence team. Ugandan authorities initially declined to grant her the necessary licence to practice in the country, a decision that triggered criticism from legal bodies in Kenya and across the region.
The dispute escalated into a diplomatic and professional standoff, with sections of Kenya’s legal fraternity threatening reciprocal measures against Ugandan lawyers.
Ugandan authorities later cleared Karua to participate in the defence.
Her latest exclusion is therefore likely to renew questions about judicial independence, legal representation, and regional integration within East Africa.
Wider Implications
The decision to deny Karua entry comes amid growing regional and international attention on Besigye’s prosecution, a case that has become a focal point for debates over political freedoms, due process, and the rule of law in Uganda.
Legal observers say the latest development could further complicate proceedings and attract renewed scrutiny from human rights organisations and regional institutions monitoring governance and democratic standards across East Africa.
Ugandan authorities had not publicly explained the reasons for Karua’s denial of entry at the time of publication.
However, another unverified document going around social media platforms indicate that Karua has also been disgnated “Persona non granta”.
