Martha Karua Denied Entry into Uganda, Calls Ban "Unlawful"
"The denial of entry was unlawful and politically motivated," Karua stated upon her return to Nairobi.
Entebbe Airport Incident
Martha Karua, a prominent Kenyan lawyer and former Justice Minister, was blocked from entering Uganda at Entebbe International Airport and ordered to return to Kenya, according to the Uganda Law Society.
Karua had traveled to Uganda to join the legal team defending her colleague Erias Lukwago, a Ugandan lawyer who recently faced treason-related charges. Lukwago was scheduled for a bail hearing on Monday.
Legal Status and Response
As a citizen of the East African Community, she should have the right to enter Uganda, Karua noted upon her return to Nairobi. She reported being told she was declared persona non grata at the border.
Ugandan authorities have not provided a reason for the decision to deny her entry.
Differential Treatment
In a contrasting development, Charles Kanjama, President of the Kenya Law Society, who traveled with Karua, was allowed entry into Uganda without incident.