Karua vows to challenge Uganda entry refusal through EAC courts
By Faith Lagat, June 23, 2026Senior Counsel and People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has announced plans to challenge her denial of entry into Uganda through the Ugandan courts, the East African Court of Justice (EACJ), and the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The move follows her deportation from Entebbe International Airport on Monday, June 22, 2026, while she was travelling to attend court proceedings involving Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.
Speaking to a local TV station on Monday night, June 22, 2026, Karua detailed that she intends to pursue the matter in the regional courts, as Ugandan authorities did not offer any valid explanation as to why she was barred, yet she had all the required travel documents.
“They have not provided me with any explanation, and I intend to challenge it in the courts in Uganda, in the East African Court of Justice, and before the African Court of Justice,” Karua made it clear.
She argued that the decision raises concerns regarding the implementation of the East African Community (EAC) Common Market Protocol, which provides for free movement of persons among partner states.
Martha Karua maintained that, as a holder of an East African passport and a licensed legal practitioner in Uganda, she should be allowed entry unless there is a clear legal basis for restriction. Karua said the absence of formal charges or written reasons undermines regional integration principles.
Similar sentiments have been shared by former Chief Justice David Maraga, calling on the Kenyan government to address the matter through its diplomatic channels.
Karua’s ordeal in Uganda
Karua was aboard a Kenya Airways flight alongside Law Society of Kenya President Charles Kanjama when she was stopped by immigration officials and later placed on a return flight to Nairobi.
Karua, who holds a valid special licence to practise law in Uganda and an East African passport, said she was informed of her refusal of entry through a note citing “persona non grata.”
She described the notation as a decision without explanation and stated that no legal justification was provided at the time of the incident.
“Then two officers come, I suppose junior immigration police officers. They take me to a side office and give me a form to fill. I declined to fill and told them we need to begin by them telling me why I’m being held, and I had already been allowed entry,” she revealed.
Immigration process and denial of entry
Karua said she was initially cleared through immigration upon arrival at Entebbe Airport at 8:50 a.m. before being informed that a note had been issued requiring further review.
She was then escorted between officers and later directed to the principal immigration officer, where she was informed that instructions had been received to deny her entry.
She said she was asked to complete a form, which she declined, requesting clarification on the legal basis for her detention. Karua stated that officials did not cite any specific provision of law supporting the decision and indicated they were acting on instructions.
She further said that during the process, her mobile phones were confiscated by officers while she was attempting to communicate with contacts in Nairobi. She added that she was later moved toward a holding area before being redirected to the Kenya Airways lounge, where she awaited her return flight.
Legal challenge and regional implications
Karua said she intends to pursue legal action in Ugandan courts, the East African Court of Justice, and the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights over the denial of entry.
Following her return to Nairobi, Karua expressed appreciation for messages of support from legal bodies, political leaders, civil society groups, and regional organisations.
The East Africa Law Society described the incident as inconsistent with EAC protocols, with several players pointing accusing fingers at the community governments for enabling the vice.
Karua said the matter highlights broader concerns on judicial cooperation and mobility within the region. She reaffirmed her intention to pursue the case through all available legal channels within Uganda and at regional and continental courts.