Martha Karua denied entry to Uganda ahead of Besigye court hearing

June 22, 2026

People's Liberation Party leader Martha Karua was denied entry into Uganda on Monday morning upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport.

She had traveled with Law Society of Kenya President Charles Kanjama via Kenya Airways to attend a court session on the bail application for lawyer Erias Lukwago in the case of opposition leader Kizza Besigye.

The Ugandan Law Society confirmed that immigration officials prevented Karua from entering the country and ordered her to return to Kenya immediately without providing any explanation. Kanjama was allowed entry.

Besigye has been in detention since November 2024 after his abduction in Nairobi and rendition to Uganda. Karua has served as his legal counsel and faced prior obstacles to practicing in Uganda. She remained unreachable after the incident.

人们在说什么

Initial reactions on X express concern and criticism over Martha Karua's denial of entry to Uganda as Besigye's lawyer, highlighting issues of fair trial rights, legal representation, and government overreach, with some calling it a sign of a weak case.

Martha Karua denied entry to Uganda and now facing deportation for trying to join Besigye's defence team. Kwani, what's so scary about a lawyer doing her job? 🤔

— Joe® (@Kajoe254) 2026年6月22日

Besigye's Lead Lawyer from Kenya SC Martha Karua has been denied entry into Uganda at Entebbe Airport. She was ordered to return to Kenya without attending Elias Lukwagos court hearing pic.twitter.com/E99WEGj9Xo

— Brave (@Bravejonathano2) 2026年6月22日

“I will Visit Uganda after Museveni, he is not President for life”

Martha Karua recounts what happened at Entebbe Airport after she was denied entry into Uganda ahead of Besigye’s court appearance#jamiiforumsug #ugandanews pic.twitter.com/jUlCOOARef

— JamiiForums Uganda (@JamiiForums_ug) 2026年6月23日

The denial of bail to Erias Lukwago deals a heavy blow to Besigye's defence. With Martha Karua denied entry into Uganda and Lukwago incarcerated, the case risks grinding to a halt. Where is justice for Besigye?

— IdahLeah (@IdahLeah) 2026年6月23日

Former Kenyan justice minister was denied entry into Uganda, according to the lawyers’ body. Martha Karua, acting as lawyer for detained Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who faces treason charges, is involved in the case. https://t.co/WMvX39cEGz

— Drew Grimaldi (@Grimillionaire) 2026年6月23日

来源

• https://taifaleo.nation.co.ke/habari/habari-za-kitaifa/karua-anyakwa-na-kuzuiliwa-uganda-alikoenda-kumwakilisha-mwandani-wa-besigye-kortini/
• https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/124510-martha-karua-denied-entry-uganda-ahead-besigyes-court-ruling
• https://taifaleo.nation.co.ke/habari/habari-za-kitaifa/karua-abandikwa-jina-mgeni-asiyetakikana-na-serikali-ya-uganda-na-kufurushwa/