Kenyan Ex — Justice Minister Denied Entry into Uganda Amidst Controversy BODY: Nairobi, Kenya – On June 22, 2026, Martha Karua, the former Kenyan Justice Minister, was refused entry into Uganda at Entebbe International Airport, as confirmed by the Uganda Law Society. Karua, a well-known human rights advocate, had intended to join a legal team supporting her Ugandan colleague, Erias Lukwago, who is defending detained opposition leader Kizza Besigye on treason charges.
The incident occurred shortly after Karua’s deportation from Tanzania in May 2025, where she was prevented from attending the trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, also facing treason charges.
The Uganda Law Society has expressed concern over the selective treatment of Karua, noting that she was denied entry despite traveling with others who were allowed to enter the country. Karua, who served as Kenya’s Justice Minister from 2005 to 2009, has a history of advocating for human rights and criticizing democratic backsliding in East Africa.
The BBC has reported her as a vocal critic of the region’s democratic challenges, suggesting that her deportation and current exclusion may be politically motivated.
The Uganda Law Society has publicly raised concerns about the incident, highlighting the potential implications for the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law in the region. Despite the lack of an official statement from the Ugandan government, the incident has garnered international attention and calls for transparency. Charles Kanjama, President of the Kenya Law Society and a companion of Karua during her trip, has questioned the reasoning behind the exclusion of one defense team member while allowing another entry.
The ongoing trial of Erias Lukwago and the implications of Karua’s exclusion could have significant political repercussions.
The incident underscores the challenges faced by human rights advocates and democracy proponents in East Africa, emphasizing the need for a robust legal system that upholds the rule of law.
As the situation develops, the international community and human rights organizations are expected to monitor the developments closely, advocating for a fair and transparent legal process.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: BBC Africa
