Martha Karua returns to Kenya after being denied entry into Uganda
By Mustafa Juma, June 22, 2026People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader and Senior Counsel Martha Karua has returned to Kenya after being denied entry into Uganda and deported from Entebbe International Airport in an incident that has sparked outrage among legal bodies across the East African region.
The development prompted a strong condemnation from the East Africa Law Society (EALS), whose president, Ramah Abubakar, described the deportation as illegal and a violation of regional integration protocols and international law.
Abubakar, in a statement shared via his official X account, confirmed that Karua arrived back in Nairobi on Monday, June 22, 2026, in the afternoon, after being detained by Ugandan authorities shortly after landing at Entebbe International Airport earlier in the day.
Her deportation has raised fresh questions about the treatment of legal practitioners within the East African Community (EAC) and the rights of regional citizens to move freely across member states.
“We have this afternoon received Senior Counsel Martha Karua following her illegal and deeply concerning deportation from Entebbe International Airport,” Abubakar said in the statement.
“As President of the East Africa Law Society, I have issued a stern statement strongly condemning this blatant violation of international law, East African Community protocols, and the fundamental rights of such a distinguished legal practitioner.”
Karua detained upon arrival
Earlier on Monday, June 22, 2026, Karua revealed through an urgent statement posted on her social media accounts that she had been detained by Ugandan authorities after arriving in the country aboard a Kenya Airways flight.
According to Karua, she had travelled to Uganda alongside Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Charles Kanjama to attend a court session involving prominent Ugandan lawyer and politician Elias Lukwago.
However, while Kanjama was reportedly allowed entry into Uganda, Karua was stopped by immigration officials and prevented from proceeding beyond the airport.
“Senior Counsel Karua has been detained at Entebbe International Airport after Ugandan authorities denied her entry into the country this morning,” the statement said.
Her legal team later reported that they were unable to reach her and that her phone had been switched off while she remained in the custody of immigration authorities.
The circumstances surrounding the decision to deny her entry remained unclear by the time she was deported back to Kenya.
EALS condemns deportation
Abubakar termed the move an attack on the rule of law and demanded an immediate explanation from Ugandan authorities.
“The arbitrary deportation of Senior Counsel Martha Karua is not just an affront to her dignity, but a direct assault on the rule of law and the spirit of East African integration,” he said.
“The EALS will not stand by as the rights of our regional citizens and legal minds are trampled upon.”
The regional legal body further questioned whether Karua had effectively been declared persona non grata and demanded clarification from Ugandan authorities.
“We demand immediate clarification from the relevant authorities on the declaration of Senior Counsel as Persona Non Grata,” Abubakar added.
Role in Besigye case
Karua’s detention comes against the backdrop of her growing involvement in legal and political matters in Uganda.
The former Kenyan Justice Minister is currently serving as lead counsel in the treason case involving veteran Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye and his co-accused Obeid Lutale.
Her legal team has previously stated that she holds a valid practising certificate in Uganda through the law firm of Elias Lukwago, allowing her to participate in legal proceedings within the country.
Karua has also emerged as a vocal advocate for democratic governance and human rights across East Africa, frequently commenting on political developments in the region.
Her involvement in high-profile opposition-linked cases in Uganda has attracted significant attention from both legal and political circles.