Martha Karua Blocked at Entebbe: Uganda Bars Kenyan Lawyer Amid High-Profile Besigye Treason Case Tensions

Martha Karua Denied Entry into Uganda as Kizza Besigye Treason Case Sparks Regional Legal and Political Tensions

Senior Counsel and People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua was on Monday blocked from entering Uganda and ordered to return to Nairobi, according to the Uganda Law Society, in an incident that has raised fresh questions about legal cooperation and political sensitivities in East Africa.

Karua had travelled aboard a Kenya Airways flight alongside Law Society of Kenya President Charles Kanjama to attend court proceedings linked to the bail application of Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye, who is currently facing treason charges.

Upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, Karua was reportedly stopped by immigration officials and denied entry without an official explanation. Meanwhile, Kanjama, who was part of the same legal delegation and travelling in the same professional capacity, was allowed into the country.

Kanjama later described the decision as “deeply concerning,” questioning why one member of the defence team was admitted while another was turned away. He called on Ugandan authorities to provide clarity on the matter.

Uganda’s immigration authorities have not yet issued a public statement on the incident.

Karua had been scheduled to join Ugandan human rights lawyer Erias Lukwago, who is part of the legal team representing Besigye. Lukwago himself is currently facing treason-related charges and had been due for a bail hearing on Monday after being arrested and remanded in prison last week.

The case surrounding Besigye has drawn significant regional attention. The opposition leader has been in detention on treason charges following his controversial abduction from Kenya and forced return to Uganda in late 2024—an incident that triggered widespread debate on cross-border legal jurisdiction and human rights protections.

Karua’s involvement in the case has previously faced resistance. Her initial application to practice law in Uganda was rejected, and she was later deported from Tanzania in 2024 when she attempted to attend proceedings involving Tanzanian opposition figure Tundu Lissu, who is also facing treason-related charges.

Her office has described the latest development as urgent, stating that efforts are ongoing to establish her status with Ugandan authorities and secure her return to Nairobi.

The incident has further intensified scrutiny of regional legal cooperation and the treatment of opposition-linked legal teams operating across East African borders, especially in politically sensitive treason cases.