KAMPALA — Lawyers representing veteran opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye have strongly condemned the detention and deportation of Kenyan Senior Counsel Martha Karua, describing the incident as an affront to the rule of law and regional democratic principles.
Karua, a prominent lawyer and former Kenyan Justice Minister, was reportedly intercepted by authorities shortly after arriving in Uganda on Sunday. Sources close to the defence team said she had travelled to Kampala in connection with ongoing legal engagements involving opposition figures.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Besigye’s lawyers expressed concern over the treatment of Karua, arguing that the actions taken against her appeared intended to intimidate legal practitioners and restrict independent legal representation in politically sensitive cases.
“The intimidation of advocates and defenders of justice undermines public confidence in the rule of law and tarnishes Uganda’s democratic credentials,” the legal team said.
The lawyers maintained that legal practitioners must be allowed to carry out their professional duties without interference, regardless of the political nature of the matters they handle. They further warned that restricting regional lawyers from participating in legal processes could undermine judicial independence and weaken East African cooperation.
Karua is widely recognised across the region for her advocacy on governance, constitutionalism and human rights. She has played key roles in several high-profile legal and political initiatives within East Africa.
The reports triggered reactions from opposition supporters and human rights activists, some of whom accused authorities of attempting to silence dissenting voices and limit international scrutiny of Uganda’s political landscape.
By Sunday evening, authorities had not issued a detailed public statement explaining the circumstances surrounding Karua’s detention or whether deportation proceedings had formally been initiated.
The development is likely to intensify debate over civic freedoms, legal representation and political rights as Uganda approaches the 2026 general elections.
