Uganda blocked former Kenyan justice minister Martha Karua from entering the country on Monday as she arrived at Entebbe International Airport to support the defense of lawyer Erias Lukwago, according to the Uganda Law Society. Kenya Law Society President Charles Kanjama, who traveled with her for the same purpose, was allowed entry while immigration officials offered no explanation for the selective decision. The development prevented Karua from joining efforts related to the high-profile treason trial of detained opposition leader Kizza Besigye.
The Uganda Law Society reported that Karua had traveled to assist in the defense of her colleague Lukwago, who was arrested at his home the previous week. Lukwago denied charges of failing to report treason linked to Besigye’s case when he appeared in court last Wednesday, at which time he looked weak and was subsequently remanded in prison. His bail hearing had been scheduled for Monday, the society added in its statement detailing the sequence of events.
Charles Kanjama described the barring of Karua as being of particular concern given that both lawyers were acting in the same professional capacity. “It is difficult to understand why one member of a defence team should be admitted while another is turned away,” Kanjama said in a post on X. The Kenya Law Society president called on Ugandan authorities to clarify their actions, as cited by the Daily Monitor and other regional outlets.
This marks the latest restriction on Karua’s regional legal work. In May 2025 Tanzanian authorities deported her upon arrival to prevent participation in the treason case of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, according to a BBC report published at the time. The pattern has drawn scrutiny from legal groups across East Africa regarding cross-border professional access.
Besigye has been held on treason charges since his abduction in Kenya and forcible return to Uganda in late 2024 along with aide Obeid Lutale, events that generated extensive coverage in outlets including Nation Africa on issues of jurisdiction and rights. Lukwago, the former Kampala lord mayor, has played a prominent role in the legal team for the veteran opposition politician. The cases have attracted attention for their political sensitivity and implications for legal representation in the region.
In December 2024 Uganda’s Law Council had rejected Karua’s application for a temporary practicing license in the Besigye matter, arguing political motives, a decision reported at length by The East African. That earlier move prompted the Law Society of Kenya to weigh reciprocal restrictions on Ugandan lawyers practicing in Kenya. The episodes have been assessed against the East African Community Common Market Protocol that supports mutual recognition of professional qualifications among member states.
Uganda’s immigration authorities have not responded to requests for comment on the latest incident, the BBC reported alongside statements from the Uganda Law Society. Karua served as Kenya’s justice minister between 2005 and 2009 and maintains a prominent profile in human rights advocacy across the region. Legal observers continue to monitor the effects on defense preparations for the ongoing trials.
