Lawyers Express Solidarity as Martha Karua Faces Deportation

The President of the Uganda Law Society (ULS), Anthony Asiimwe, has revealed that Kenyan lawyer and politician Martha Karua was denied entry into Uganda despite initially being cleared by immigration officials at Entebbe International Airport.

According to Asiimwe, Karua arrived in Uganda alongside the President of the Law Society of Kenya, Charles Kanjama, who had travelled to the country as part of a delegation expressing solidarity with Ugandan lawyers. 

Karua is part of the legal team representing opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye, alongside jailed former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.

Asiimwe said he personally went to receive the Kenyan lawyers at the airport.  He was addressing the media at Makindye Chief Magistrates Court.

He explained that Karua was initially cleared by immigration officials but was later intercepted while proceeding through the airport corridors and informed that she would not be allowed to enter the country.

“She was first cleared and then later intercepted and informed that she was not allowed to enter Uganda and would be deported,” Asiimwe said.

Despite Karua’s deportation, Kanjama proceeded to attend court proceedings related to a case in which Lukwago is facing charges of misprision of treason. Asiimwe welcomed the presence of the Kenyan legal delegation, saying their visit demonstrated regional solidarity with Uganda’s legal fraternity.

He also expressed concern over the health condition of Lukwago , describing the situation as worrying. Asiimwe thanked Members of Parliament, including Medard Lubega Sseggona, members of the media, and other supporters for their continued involvement.

“We have reached a point where we need everyone,” he said, adding that the Uganda Law Society plans to stage a strike on June 26 in protest over developments affecting the legal profession and the administration of justice in the country.

Meanwhile, Law Society of Kenya President Charles Kanjama said he was leading a delegation sent by the East Africa Law Society to monitor developments in Uganda.

Kanjama emphasized that the independence of the legal profession is a fundamental requirement for guaranteeing the right to a fair hearing.

He noted that the right to a fair hearing is critical in any democratic society.    “We are concerned about recent happenings in Uganda. Lawyers have a right to represent accused persons in courts of law, and targeting advocates such as Erias Lukwago amounts to intimidation of the legal profession”, said Kanjama. 

He has called for adherence to international standards governing the legal profession across East Africa and beyond.

Kanjama said the delegation would continue monitoring the situation and urged authorities to respect the independence of the Bar.