PLP condemns Karua detention, calls Uganda deportation assault on legal independence
By Sharon Atieno, June 22, 2026The People’s Liberation Party (PLP) has issued a strongly worded protest over the detention and subsequent deportation of its party leader, Martha Karua, at Uganda’s Entebbe International Airport, terming the incident an “arbitrary and unlawful action” that undermines legal independence and cross-border justice cooperation.
In a statement shared on the party’s X account on Monday, June 22, 2026, the party said Karua was detained shortly after arrival despite her travel documents having been processed and stamped for entry.
“This hostile action against our Party Leader is a direct assault on the independence of the legal profession and a blatant disregard for the freedom of movement within the East African Community,” the party said.
Detained on arrival at Entebbe
According to PLP, Karua was detained shortly after arriving in Uganda on Monday, June 22, 2026, despite having her travel documents duly processed and stamped for entry.
“Senior Counsel Karua has been detained at Entebbe International Airport after Ugandan authorities denied her entry into the country this morning,” the party said in a statement shared on its official platforms.
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The party further claimed she was later denied exit from the airport and held incommunicado after her communication devices were confiscated by security officers.
“Upon arrival at approximately 8:20 AM, Hon. Karua’s travel documents were processed and stamped for entry. Despite this, she was subsequently denied exit and informed that she would be deported,” the statement added.
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Legal mission disrupted
Karua had travelled to Uganda aboard a Kenya Airways flight alongside Law Society of Kenya President Charles Kanjama. She was reportedly heading to attend a bail ruling in ongoing legal proceedings involving Ugandan opposition figure Erias Lukwago.
PLP noted that Karua is part of the defence team representing Kizza Besigye and co-accused Obeid Lutale, arguing that her involvement was purely professional and lawful.
“The ability of counsel to represent their clients without intimidation is non-negotiable. We maintain that the treatment of advocates in the discharge of their professional duties is a fundamental measure of the health of any constitutional democracy,” PLP stated.
Claims of regional legal tensions
The party linked the incident to what it described as a growing pattern of intimidation against legal professionals in politically sensitive cases, warning that such actions threaten East African judicial cooperation.
Martha Karua later confirmed the incident in a statement on her X account, saying she had been held at the airport shortly after arrival and had lost contact with her legal team.
Ugandan authorities had not issued an official response at the time of publication.