Kenyan lawyer, politician, and democracy activist, Martha Karua was on Sunday reportedly denied entry into Uganda after arriving at Entebbe International Airport, where she was scheduled to join the defense legal team for opposition lawyer Erias Lukwago during his bail proceedings in Makindye.
According to reports, Karuawho is part of the broader legal team representing retired Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye was stopped by immigration authorities upon arrival. She was allegedly instructed to return to Kenya, preventing her from physically attending the court session.
Despite her exclusion, other members of the legal delegation were reportedly granted entry and proceeded with the scheduled hearing at the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Makindye.
The case involving Lukwago, who was arrested on June 15 and remanded to Luzira Prison, centers on allegations of misprision of treason. Prosecutors allege he had knowledge of purported treason-related plans involving opposition figures between 2021 and 2024 in Uganda and Kenya but failed to report them to authorities.
He has strongly denied the allegations, The charges carry a potential life sentence if proven in court.
During Monday’s session, proceedings focused on a mention of the case and arguments surrounding Lukwago’s bail application. His legal team argued for release on health grounds, citing conditions such as hypertension.
However, state prosecutors opposed bail, arguing that Lukwago poses both a flight risk and a potential security concern.
The court is expected to deliver a ruling on the bail application as proceedings continue.
Karua’s denied entry has drawn regional attention due to her prominent role in high-profile political and constitutional cases across East Africa. The incident adds a cross-border dimension to an already sensitive legal battle, raising renewed questions about access for foreign counsel in politically charged trials.
