Kenyan lawyer, politician, and democracy activist Martha Karua was reportedly denied entry into Uganda on Sunday and ordered to return to Kenya shortly after arriving at Entebbe International Airport.
Karua had travelled to Uganda to join the defense team of Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago , who is facing charges of misprision of treason and is currently seeking bail before the Makindye Chief Magistrate’s Court today 22nd June 2026.
According to reports, immigration officials stopped Karua upon arrival and informed her that she would not be allowed into the country. The Uganda Law Society later confirmed the development, sparking debate over access to legal representation in politically sensitive cases.
Karua is also part of the legal team representing opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye in separate legal proceedings.
Despite Karua’s exclusion, other members of the defense team were allowed into Uganda and attended the court session in Makindye as scheduled.
Lukwago was arrested on June 15 and later remanded to Luzira Prison over allegations that he was aware of alleged treasonous activities involving opposition figures in Uganda and Kenya between 2021 and 2024 but failed to report them to authorities.
The veteran lawyer and politician has strongly denied the accusations and if convicted, the offence carries a potential life sentence.
During Monday’s proceedings, Lukwago’s lawyers asked the court to grant him bail, citing health concerns, including hypertension. Prosecutors opposed the application, arguing that he could flee the country and poses a security risk.
The court is expected to rule on the bail request as the case continues
