The People's Liberation Party (PLP) leader, Martha Karua, was denied entry into Uganda upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport on Monday morning.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The Ugandan Law Society (ULS) confirmed the developments on June 22, stating that immigration officials prevented the Senior Counsel from entering the country and directed her to return to Kenya immediately, without providing any explanation.

Karua, who was also in the accompaniment of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Charles Kanjama, had made the trip to Kampala specifically to support the defence team of the Uganda Opposition Leader Kiza Besigye and city lawyer Erias Lukwago, who is currently facing charges of misprision of treason.

“Dr Kiza Besigye's and Obeid Lutale's lead counsel, Hon. Martha Karua, SC, denied entry at Entebbe International Airport. She has been ordered to return without being given a reason,” stated ULS.

📌 What You Need to Know

“Hon. Martha Karua was accompanied by Law Society ofKe President Charles Kanjama, SC, who was only allowed.”

Besigye has remained in pre-trial detention at Luzira Maximum Security Prison since November 2024, following his abduction in Nairobi, Kenya, and forceful rendition to Uganda, where he faces treason, treachery, and illegal firearms possession charges.

His health has deteriorated significantly under near-total isolation, prompting alarm from his family and human rights organisations, while his repeated bail applications have been consistently denied despite court rulings barring civilians from facing military tribunals.

Karua has faced multiple instances where she was barred from entering or appearing in court to represent Besigye.

In December 2024, the Uganda Law Council (ULC) repeatedly denied Karua a temporary practicing certificate, leading to her and her legal team being denied an audience in Besigye's initial military court.

The Council cited procedural grounds, missing notarised documents from the LSK, and later claimed the application appeared "politically motivated" rather than purely professional. She was eventually granted temporary clearance in early 2025 following a successful appeal.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke