Kenyan former justice minister barred from Uganda amid treason case drama

Mon Jun 22 2026 16:36:56 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Martha Karua was blocked from entering Uganda while traveling to defend a colleague, with authorities giving no reason – raising concerns over legal practice across East Africa.

Former Kenyan justice minister Martha Karua was denied entry to Uganda while on her way to support a colleague’s treason case. The Ugandan immigration office cited no rationale, sparking worries among legal professionals about cross-border practice. Kenya’s Law Society president highlighted the inconsistency that Karua was refused while a fellow lawyer was admitted. The incident highlights ongoing tension surrounding the legal status of opposition figures like Kizza Besigye, who faces treason charges. Both sides have called for clarification of the situation.

Kenyan former justice minister denied entry to Uganda

Leading Kenyan lawyer and former justice minister Martha Karua was barred from entering Uganda upon arrival at Entebbe airport and ordered to return home, according to the Uganda Law Society. The decision came as she was scheduled to join a team defending Ugandan lawyer Erias Lukwago in a treason case involving detained opposition leader Kizza Besigye.

Lukwago had been charged with a treason‑related offence last week and was due for a bail hearing on Monday. Karua’s office reported that she had been detained at the airport and was expected to return to Nairobi on Monday, but she remains incommunicado, with her mobile phones switched off and her status unknown.

Ugandan authorities gave no explanation for the block. By contrast, Charles Kanjama, president of the Kenya Law Society who travelled with Karua, was permitted entry. Kanjama expressed concern on X, noting it was “of particular concern” that Karua was denied while his colleague was admitted.

The Kenya Law Society urged Ugandan authorities to provide clarity on the circumstances that led to Karua’s denial of entry. It praised “members of the legal profession across East Africa who continue to uphold the cause of justice under often difficult circumstances”.

Karua’s tenure as a legal advocate has been fraught with obstacles: her initial application to practice law in Uganda was rejected, and she was deported from Tanzania last year to prevent her participation in opposition leader Tundu Lissu’s court case, who also faces treason charges.

Besigye has been jailed on treason charges since being abducted in Kenya and forcibly returned to Uganda in late 2024. His case has sparked intense regional debate over legal jurisdiction and human rights.

While the situation remains unresolved, the incident underscores the growing tension over legal practice across national borders in East Africa, and the implications for the rule of law and human rights in the region.