Kenyan lawyer and opposition leader Martha Karua was reportedly denied entry into Uganda ahead of a key court ruling involving veteran opposition politician Kizza Besigye, sparking fresh concerns over access to legal representation and political freedoms in the region.
The Ugandan Law Society (ULS) confirmed the developments on June 22, stating that immigration officials prevented the Senior Counsel from entering the country and directed her to return to Kenya immediately, without providing any explanation.
Karua, who is part of Besigye's legal team, said immigration officials blocked her from entering the country despite her previous involvement in the high-profile case. The development came as Uganda's courts prepared to hear matters related to Besigye's ongoing legal battles, including treason-related charges that his supporters have described as politically motivated.
The incident has drawn criticism from human rights advocates and opposition figures, who argue that restricting lawyers' access to their clients undermines the right to a fair hearing. Karua has previously faced legal and administrative hurdles while seeking to represent Besigye in Uganda's courts.
The move also comes amid heightened political tensions in Uganda following the arrest and prosecution of lawyer Erias Lukwago, another member of Besigye's defence team. Rights groups and legal bodies have expressed concern over what they describe as increasing pressure on opposition figures and their legal representatives.
Neither Ugandan authorities nor immigration officials immediately provided a detailed explanation for Karua's reported denial of entry. The incident is likely to intensify scrutiny of Uganda's justice system and its treatment of opposition leaders as the country navigates a politically sensitive period.
The Ugandan Law Society (ULS) confirmed the developments on June 22, stating that immigration officials prevented the Senior Counsel from entering the country and directed her to return to Kenya immediately, without providing any explanation.
Karua, who is part of Besigye's legal team, said immigration officials blocked her from entering the country despite her previous involvement in the high-profile case. The development came as Uganda's courts prepared to hear matters related to Besigye's ongoing legal battles, including treason-related charges that his supporters have described as politically motivated.
The incident has drawn criticism from human rights advocates and opposition figures, who argue that restricting lawyers' access to their clients undermines the right to a fair hearing. Karua has previously faced legal and administrative hurdles while seeking to represent Besigye in Uganda's courts.
The move also comes amid heightened political tensions in Uganda following the arrest and prosecution of lawyer Erias Lukwago, another member of Besigye's defence team. Rights groups and legal bodies have expressed concern over what they describe as increasing pressure on opposition figures and their legal representatives.
Neither Ugandan authorities nor immigration officials immediately provided a detailed explanation for Karua's reported denial of entry. The incident is likely to intensify scrutiny of Uganda's justice system and its treatment of opposition leaders as the country navigates a politically sensitive period.