People’s Liberation Party (PLP) presidential aspirant and party leader Martha Karua has demanded an urgent and transparent explanation from Ugandan authorities following her detention and denial of entry at Entebbe International Airport on Monday.
Karua described the incident as a troubling sign of growing political repression, shrinking civic space, and increasing intimidation of opposition voices and legal practitioners across East Africa.
The Senior Counsel had travelled to Uganda to attend court proceedings related to the treason case involving Ugandan opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Obeid Lutale. Karua serves as lead counsel in the case and was expected to observe proceedings connected to the bail hearing of her co-counsel, former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.
Detained After Arrival
According to Karua, she was initially processed and cleared by immigration officials upon arrival at Entebbe before being abruptly stopped and referred to a senior supervisor. She said colleagues travelling with her were allowed entry, while she was informed that instructions had been issued denying her access to the country.
Karua further alleged that her mobile phones were confiscated and that she was held incommunicado for several hours without being informed of any legal basis for the decision.
“I am a holder of an East African passport, and I was in Uganda entirely in my legal capacity to observe the case of my co-counsel, Mr. Lukwago,” Karua said.
“When they denied me entry, I was not initially afraid for my safety until security officials forcibly seized both of my phones without explanation. They could not tell me what laws I had broken because there were none. This behaviour by security agents was pure harassment and intimidation.”
Legal Fraternity Responds
News of Karua’s detention prompted swift reactions from legal bodies and human rights organizations across the region.
Karua expressed gratitude to the East Africa Law Society, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), the Uganda Law Society, and other members of the legal fraternity and human rights community who mobilized to seek information about her welfare.
In a statement issued on June 22, the Law Society of Kenya, led by President Charles Kanjama, who travelled with Karua but was permitted entry into Uganda, said the matter extended beyond the individuals directly involved.
“The issue before us is larger than Hon. Erias Lukwago or Martha Karua,” the statement read.
“It concerns the ability of advocates across East Africa to stand beside their clients, support their colleagues, observe legal proceedings, and discharge their professional responsibilities without undue hindrance. The legal profession cannot remain indifferent where circumstances arise that appear to constrain those freedoms.”
Concerns Over Regional Democratic Space
Speaking in Nairobi on Tuesday, Karua argued that her detention should not be viewed as an isolated incident but rather as part of a broader trend of democratic backsliding and restrictions on civic freedoms within the region.
She referenced the November 2024 abduction of Dr. Kizza Besigye from Nairobi while attending her book launch, an incident that attracted significant regional attention and allegations of cross-border security cooperation. Karua noted that Besigye remains in detention nearly 600 days later amid ongoing concerns about his health, rights, and access to justice.
“I have walked this journey with Dr. Besigye from the moment he was abducted, and I will continue to stand with him regardless of intimidation,” she said.
“This is fundamentally about the future of justice, democracy, and freedom of movement in our region.”
Karua also raised concerns about what she described as increasing pressure on lawyers, opposition politicians, and human rights defenders in Uganda and Tanzania, citing arrests, intimidation, incommunicado detention, and restrictions on political activity.
She pointed specifically to the recent arrest and charging of Erias Lukwago, arguing that the circumstances surrounding the case raise questions about due process and adherence to the rule of law.
A Warning for the Region
Karua linked the incident to broader debates about governance, accountability, and democratic freedoms in East Africa, particularly as Kenya approaches commemorations linked to the June 25 Gen Z protests.
She cautioned that impunity and disregard for legal norms pose risks not only to civil liberties but also to peace, stability, and regional integration.
“What happened in Entebbe is not just about Uganda. It is a warning to Kenya and to the entire region,” Karua said.
“We must resist the normalization of refusal to follow the law. We must reject the politics of fear and stand firm in defence of justice, constitutionalism, and human dignity.”
She further called on East African governments to uphold commitments under the East African Community Treaty, which provides for the free movement of people, labour, and services within member states.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Karua concluded her remarks by reaffirming her intention to contest Kenya’s 2027 presidential election, presenting her vision of a region anchored in democratic governance, respect for human rights, and the rule of law.
“Justice must be our anchor,” she said.
“My vision is for a Kenya that helps build a democratic, prosperous, and truly united Africa, where borders exist to enable commerce, opportunity, and solidarity, not state-sponsored persecution or fear. East Africa must be governed by law, freedom, and human dignity.”
