Kenyan Ex‑Justice Minister Barred from Visiting Uganda

Martha Karua, who served as Kenya’s justice minister, was prevented from entering Uganda at Entebbe airport on Tuesday. She had come to join her Ugandan colleague, Erias Lukwago, in a defence team that is representing opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who is currently on a treason trial.

Gutierrez and Lukwago had been charged with treason-related offences in Uganda, and their bail hearing was scheduled for Monday. While Karua’s presence was denied, a Kenyan lawyer who had travelled with her was allowed to enter the country. Ugandan authorities did not provide a reason for the denial.

Karua’s office reported that she was detained at the airport and would return to Nairobi the following day. The lawyer’s senior team stated that she is unreachable, with her mobile phones switched off and that they are awaiting further communication about her status and expected return.

Charles Kanjama, president of the Kenya Law Society, expressed concern over the unequal treatment, noting that the same mission was undertaken by him and he was admitted. He called on Ugandan authorities to explain their actions and urged clarity on the circumstances that led to Karua’s denied entry.

The Kenya Law Society also highlighted the broader context: Besigye, who was abducted in Kenya and forced back into Uganda, is on treason charges since his return. Other lawyers have faced similar hurdles – Karua’s admission to practice in Uganda was initially rejected, and she was deported from Tanzania last year to prevent her attendance at a court case involving opposition leader Tundu Lissu.

The incident raises questions about legal jurisdiction and the protection of lawyers working across borders in politically contentious environments. It also illustrates the regional tension surrounding the rule of law and human rights.

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