KARUA DEPORTED FROM UGANDA: Outrage as Kenya’s Senior Counsel Barred from Entering Kampala

By Sonia Mitchel

Fresh questions over freedom of movement within the East African Community (EAC) have emerged after former Kenyan Justice Minister and People's Liberation Party leader Martha Karua was denied entry into Uganda and deported back to Kenya.

Karua was turned away by immigration officials upon her arrival at Entebbe International Airport on Monday while travelling to Kampala for legal proceedings involving Ugandan opposition figures.

The Senior Counsel had travelled as part of a team of lawyers following a court case linked to veteran Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye and Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.

According to Karua, immigration officers informed her that she was not permitted to enter Uganda before placing her on a return flight to Nairobi. She later revealed that she had been declared persona non grata, although Ugandan authorities had not publicly explained the decision by Monday evening.

Speaking after her return to Kenya, Karua condemned the move, terming it a violation of the principles of regional integration and free movement that form the foundation of the East African Community.

"This action raises serious concerns about respect for the rule of law, regional cooperation and the rights of legal practitioners operating within East Africa," Karua said.

The incident immediately sparked criticism from legal practitioners, human rights defenders and political observers across the region, many of whom questioned why a lawyer travelling on a professional assignment would be denied entry without a clear explanation.

The deportation has also reignited debate over democratic freedoms, political tolerance and shrinking civic space in parts of East Africa.

Karua has built a reputation as one of the region's most prominent legal and political figures, having represented opposition leaders in several high-profile cases, including those involving Tanzanian opposition politician Tundu Lissu and Uganda's Kizza Besigye.

The development comes amid heightened political activity in Uganda ahead of key national processes, with opposition leaders continuing to raise concerns over political freedoms, human rights and government accountability.

By Monday evening, Ugandan authorities had yet to issue an official statement outlining the reasons behind Karua's exclusion from the country, fueling further speculation and public debate.

Political analysts warn that the incident could strain perceptions of regional integration efforts and undermine confidence in the East African Community's commitment to the free movement of people across member states.

As pressure mounts for answers, regional legal bodies and human rights organizations are expected to closely monitor the matter.

For now, Karua maintains that her mission to Uganda was purely professional and legal, insisting that the circumstances surrounding her deportation raise serious questions about governance, justice and the treatment of legal practitioners across the region.