The deportation of Kenyan senior counsel and politician Martha Karua from Uganda has triggered fresh criticism from opposition leaders, who argue that the move undermines access to justice and contradicts the spirit of East African integration.
Ms Karua, a former Kenyan Justice minister and presidential candidate, was reportedly denied entry at Entebbe International Airport on Monday as she travelled to Uganda in connection with the legal defence of opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Obeid Lutale.
Addressing journalists at a joint press conference in Kampala on Tuesday at Katonga Offices, leaders from the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and other opposition groups, PFF Vice Chairperson M Micheal Lulume Bayiga described the deportation as a politically motivated action aimed at weakening Besigye’s defence team.
“We strongly condemn the deportation of Senior Counsel Martha Karua,” opposition leaders said in a joint statement. “Instead of being allowed to execute her professional mandate, she was declared persona non grata and removed from the country.” He said
Mr Bayiga also questioned Uganda’s commitment to regional cooperation at a time when East African Community member states are promoting the free movement of people, services and professionals.
“It should not happen in the 21st century that as we talk about East African Federation, we cannot allow lawyers to move across the East African Community,” one opposition leader said. “What message does this send to Ugandan lawyers practising in Kenya and Tanzania?”
Mr Lulume further argued that the decision could affect the constitutional right of accused persons to legal representation.
“Every accused person has a right to legal counsel of their choice,” the leaders said. “When you block a lawyer from representing a client, you raise serious concerns about access to justice and the fairness of the legal process.” He said
The deportation comes amid growing political tensions surrounding the prosecution of Dr Besigye, a long-time government critic, whose case has attracted regional and international attention.
PFF officials linked Karua’s removal to ongoing efforts to frustrate members of Besigye’s legal team, including Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who has recently faced legal and political challenges of his own.
PFF President Michael Kabaziguruka warned that the country was witnessing what he described as increasing pressure on democratic institutions.
“When Parliament is attacked, when the Judiciary is attacked and when power becomes concentrated in one individual, we should all be concerned about the future of our country,” Kabaziguruka said.
UPC President Jimmy Akena echoed similar concerns, saying Uganda risked damaging its standing in the region.
“We talk about East African integration, but we are making news for the wrong reasons, a respected legal practitioner comes to represent a client and is turned away. This is not the Uganda we aspire to build.” He said
Mr Akena added that political competition should not be criminalised and urged authorities to protect the independence of institutions.
“Our politics must be free. We cannot continue seeing political leaders detained while fundamental questions about justice remain unanswered,” he said.
He also demanded an explanation from the government regarding the legal basis upon which Karua was denied entry and called for what they described as an end to political interference in judicial processes.
Background
Karua is among Kenya’s most prominent lawyers and politicians. She served as Kenya’s Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs and was a presidential candidate in the 2022 elections. In recent months, she has joined the legal team representing Dr Besigye, whose legal battles have become a focal point for opposition politics in Uganda.
Her deportation has sparked debate about the balance between national security considerations, access to justice and commitments under the East African Community framework, which promotes closer political, economic and professional cooperation among member states.