People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader and Senior Counsel Martha Karua has called for continued regional efforts to defend justice, democratic freedoms, and human dignity following her detention and deportation from Uganda.

Karua said the incident occurred at Entebbe International Airport on Monday, June 22, 2026, where she was stopped by immigration officials, held incommunicado and later deported back to Nairobi. She had travelled to Uganda aboard a Kenya Airways flight alongside Law Society of Kenya President Charles Kanjama to attend court proceedings involving Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.

Karua stated that Lukwago had been arrested earlier and was facing legal proceedings linked to a treason-related case involving opposition figures, including Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale.

Karua calls for protection of legal rights and freedoms

In a statement posted on her X account, Karua expressed appreciation for messages of solidarity following the incident.

“A few days ago, my co-counsel in the Besigye case, Erias Lukwago, was arrested and detained in Uganda. Today, alongside Law Society of Kenya President Charles Kanjama, I travelled to Uganda to attend court proceedings concerning his case. Instead, I was unlawfully detained and deported,” she stated.

She added: “I am deeply grateful for the overwhelming support, concern, and solidarity expressed by fellow leaders, individuals, professional bodies, civil society organizations, and democratic actors across East Africa and beyond. Your messages, statements, prayers, and acts of solidarity were a powerful reminder that the defence of justice is never the responsibility of one person alone.”

Karua emphasised that the right to legal representation, fair hearing, and equal protection under the law remain fundamental safeguards for all citizens.

Regional reaction and legal concerns raised

Karua said the situation reflects the continued need to defend justice and human dignity across the region.

“Erias Lukwago still deserves justice. Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale still deserve justice. And across our region, there remain many citizens whose rights, freedoms, and dignity depend on our willingness to defend these principles whenever they are threatened,” she said.

She added: “While I am encouraged by the solidarity shown today, there is still much work to be done. The struggle for justice, democratic freedoms and human dignity continues. But so too does our resolve. Asanteni sana.”

The incident has drawn condemnation from legal and regional bodies, including the East Africa Law Society (EALS), which described the deportation as a violation of East African Community protocols and international law. Former Chief Justice David Maraga also called for diplomatic engagement between Kenya and Uganda.

The matter has raised renewed debate on cross-border legal practice, freedom of movement within the East African Community, and protections for legal practitioners in the region.