Kenyan Former Justice Minister Blocked from Uganda, Legal Tensions Escalate

Martha Karua, a former Kenyan Justice Minister and prominent lawyer, was denied entry into Uganda upon arrival at Entebbe airport on 22 June 2026, as announced by the Uganda Law Society. She was traveling to assist her Ugandan colleague, Erias Lukwago, who is defending opposition figure Kizza Besigye in a treason case.

Karua’s blockade, without explanation from Uganda’s authorities, has sparked claims of “unlawful and politically motivated” action, according to Karua and Kenyan legal circles. The Kenyan Law Society notes the discrepancy between Karua’s and her colleague Charles Kanjama, who faced no impediments.

Besigye, a former presidential candidate, remains incarcerated on treason charges following his abduction from Kenya and return to Uganda mid‑2024. Lukwago was recently arrested and deemed remanded while fighting charges of failing to report treason.

The incident raises concerns over cross‑border legal cooperation and human‑rights safeguards within the East African Community. Both Kenyan and Ugandan authorities have yet to respond to clarification requests.