ULS protests as immigration blocks, deports Martha Karua at Entebbe

[Eronda]

The Uganda Law Society, through a strongly worded statement signed by its Vice President, Asiimwe Anthony, expressed profound concern over the incident, warning that Kampala’s actions directly undermine the Jumuiya (EAC) spirit.

“This development is of significant concern to the Uganda Law Society, as it touches upon the core principles of the East African Community—particularly the free movement of persons, labour, and services, as well as the mutual recognition of professional qualifications across member states,” the ULS statement reads in part.

The lawyers' body emphasized that Ms Karua was not entering Uganda merely as a political actor, but as a fully accredited legal professional. She holds a valid Special Practising Certificate issued by the Uganda Law Council under Section 18 of the Advocates Act. The certificate, registered through Lukwago & Co. Advocates, explicitly authorizes her to practice within Uganda and appear in court for high-profile defense cases.

While the ULS noted it would temporarily refrain from open confrontation to allow room for "constructive engagement" with government authorities, it reiterated its unwavering solidarity with regional advocates facing state-sponsored barriers in the line of duty.

Ms Karua had traveled to Kampala specifically to observe and attend the bail application ruling of Kampala Lord Mayor and prominent human rights lawyer, Hajji Erias Lukwago.

The legal entanglement dates back to November 16, 2024, when veteran Ugandan opposition icon Dr. Kizza Besigye was allegedly abducted from Nairobi during Ms. Karua’s book launch and secretly smuggled into Uganda to face trial before a military court. Since then, Ms. Karua has been actively involved as co-lead counsel in Dr. Besigye's defense team alongside Mr. Lukwago.

However, the legal defense was thrown into further jeopardy on June 15, 2026, when the Special Forces Command (SFC) conducted an early morning raid on Mr. Lukwago’s residence, arresting him. In a move that drew widespread public scrutiny, Lukwago’s arrest and whereabouts were first made public via a social media post by the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, on his official X (formerly Twitter) account. Lukwago has since been charged with misprision of treason for allegedly concealing knowledge of a plot to overthrow the government.

Also read:Martha Karua denied entry into Uganda ahead of Besigye, Lutale court appearance

Source: Daily Monitor