Ugandan authorities have officially explained why Kenyan lawyer and opposition leader Martha Karua was denied entry into the country, stating that she had been declared persona non grata due to unspecified security concerns.
Karua, who had travelled to Kampala as part of the legal team representing veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye and lawyer Erias Lukwago, was stopped by immigration officials upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport and later deported back to Kenya. According to Karua, she was informed that she could not enter Uganda and was subsequently handed a letter declaring her persona non grata before boarding her return flight.
The former Kenyan Justice Minister described the move as unlawful and politically motivated, arguing that as a citizen of the East African Community (EAC), she should be entitled to free movement within member states. She also claimed that authorities cited security concerns without providing further details.
The decision has sparked criticism from legal bodies and human rights advocates across the region. The Law Society of Kenya questioned why Karua was denied entry while other members of the same defence team were allowed into Uganda.
The incident comes amid heightened regional attention on the ongoing legal proceedings involving Besigye and Lukwago, cases that have fueled debate over political freedoms, due process, and the rule of law in East Africa.
Karua, who had travelled to Kampala as part of the legal team representing veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye and lawyer Erias Lukwago, was stopped by immigration officials upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport and later deported back to Kenya. According to Karua, she was informed that she could not enter Uganda and was subsequently handed a letter declaring her persona non grata before boarding her return flight.
The former Kenyan Justice Minister described the move as unlawful and politically motivated, arguing that as a citizen of the East African Community (EAC), she should be entitled to free movement within member states. She also claimed that authorities cited security concerns without providing further details.
The decision has sparked criticism from legal bodies and human rights advocates across the region. The Law Society of Kenya questioned why Karua was denied entry while other members of the same defence team were allowed into Uganda.
The incident comes amid heightened regional attention on the ongoing legal proceedings involving Besigye and Lukwago, cases that have fueled debate over political freedoms, due process, and the rule of law in East Africa.
