Kampala, Uganda: The Uganda Law Society (ULS) and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) have demanded an explanation from Ugandan authorities following the reported denial of entry to Kenyan Senior Counsel and former Justice Minister Martha Karua at Entebbe International Airport.
Karua had travelled to Uganda on Monday, June 22, as part of a delegation of East African legal practitioners intending to observe court proceedings involving opposition politician and lawyer Erias Lukwago, who is currently facing charges of misprision of treason.
According to statements issued by both legal bodies, Karua arrived alongside Law Society of Kenya President Charles Kanjama and Advocate Daniel Kieme Gicheru. While the rest of the delegation was cleared for entry, Karua was reportedly informed by immigration officials that she would be returned to Kenya.
In a Monday afternoon statement on the matter, the Uganda Law Society Vice President, Asiimwe Anthony, said no formal explanation had been provided for the decision.
“Senior Counsel Karua holds a valid Special Practising Certificate issued by the Uganda Law Council under Section 18 of the Advocates Act, authorising her to appear together with Adv. Erias Lukwago in the defence of Dr Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale,” Asiimwe noted.
The Ugandan bar said it was closely monitoring developments and would engage relevant authorities before making further public pronouncements.
“The Uganda Law Society stands in solidarity with all advocates who encounter obstacles in the lawful discharge of their professional responsibilities. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the independence of the legal profession, the right to a fair hearing, and the fundamental principles of the rule of law in Uganda,” he added.
The ULS statement came shortly after the Law Society of Kenya described the incident as a matter of regional concern, arguing that it touches on the principles of free movement, professional practice and the administration of justice within the East African Community.
“The reported denial of entry to Senior Counsel Martha Karua raises serious concerns regarding the ability of advocates and members of the legal profession within the East African Community to freely engage on matters touching on the administration of justice and the Rule of Law,” the LSK said in its statement.
LSK President Charles Kanjama noted that while every sovereign state has the authority to regulate entry into its territory, such actions should be consistent with constitutional principles and regional treaty obligations.
The Kenyan lawyers’ body further called upon Ugandan authorities to provide clarity regarding the circumstances surrounding Karua’s denial of entry and ensure that any actions taken are consistent with the Constitution of Uganda, the East African Community Treaty and principles underpinning the administration of justice.
“The Law Society of Kenya therefore calls upon the relevant authorities to provide clarity regarding the circumstances surrounding the denial of entry to Senior Counsel Martha Karua and to ensure that all actions taken are consistent with the Constitution of Uganda, the East African Community Treaty, and the principles that underpin the administration of justice,” the statement read in part.
“We shall continue to monitor developments closely and remain steadfast in the defence of the Rule of Law, the independence of the legal profession, and the values that bind the East African Community together,” Kanjama added.
The development comes amid heightened political and legal attention surrounding the prosecution of opposition figures, including Dr Kizza Besigye, Obeid Lutale, and Erias Lukwago.
Neither the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control nor other government authorities had publicly commented on the matter by press time.
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