Opposition leaders have condemned the deportation of Kenyan lawyer and politician Martha Karua from Uganda, accusing the government of undermining the rule of law and interfering with the right to legal representation.
The leaders, speaking at a joint press conference on Tuesday in Kampala, said Karua’s deportation was politically motivated and intended to weaken the legal team representing detained opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya.
The press conference was attended by several opposition leaders, including People’s Progressive Party (PPP) President Saddam Gayira, Uganda People’s Congress-UPC President Jimmy Akena, and Democratic Front Eastern Regional Vice President Amuriat.
Acting President of the People’s Front for Freedoom-PFF party, Lulume Bayiga, said Karua was stopped at Entebbe International Airport, her phones were taken by authorities, and she was later deported.
He argued that Karua had travelled to Uganda to support Besigye’s defence team and was also expected to visit Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who is part of the legal team. “This was an attempt to intimidate the lawyers defending Dr. Besigye,” Bayiga said.
Bayiga said denying Karua entry into Uganda was unfair and contrary to the principles of the East African Community, which promotes regional cooperation and free movement of people.
The opposition leaders also questioned remarks previously made by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba regarding Karua’s visit, arguing that immigration decisions should follow established legal procedures and not be influenced by security officials.
They further raised concerns over the temporary confiscation of Karua’s mobile phones, saying authorities did not explain why the devices were taken or what happened to them while in custody.
The leaders warned that the incident could damage Uganda’s image within the East African region and called on the government to withdraw Karua’s persona non grata status, return any belongings taken from her, and respect the right of accused persons to choose legal representation.
By the time of filing this report, neither the government nor immigration authorities had issued an official response to the allegations.
Karua, a former Kenyan justice minister and presidential candidate, is known for her legal work and advocacy for democratic governance across East Africa
