Opposition Denounces Martha Karua's Deportation, Citing Legal and Regional Breaches

Top opposition figures in Uganda have voiced significant disapproval following the deportation of prominent Kenyan lawyer and politician Martha Karua from Entebbe International Airport. Karua, who had arrived to join the legal defense team for detained opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye, was reportedly detained upon arrival and subsequently deported.

Speaking on behalf of several opposition parties, Lulume Bayigga, Acting President of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), labeled the incident as unlawful and politically motivated. He suggested the action was an attempt to undermine Dr. Besigye’s legal representation.

Bayigga was joined by other opposition leaders, including Saddam Gayira of the People’s Progressive Party and Jimmy Akena of the Uganda People’s Congress. They criticized the deportation, highlighting Karua’s status as a senior lawyer and former Justice Minister in Kenya, underscoring the disruption to her role in a high-profile legal case.

The leaders stated that Karua’s deportation, along with the reported confiscation of her communication devices, contravened East African Community principles on regional integration and free movement. They questioned the legal basis for declaring her persona non grata and demanded transparency regarding the confiscated property.

The opposition coalition warned that such actions could damage Uganda’s international reputation, particularly concerning legal cooperation and regional mobility. They urged the government to reverse Karua’s status, return any seized belongings, and cease perceived interference in the judicial process. The leaders emphasized the constitutional right of any accused individual to choose their legal counsel.

As of the publication of the source material, government and immigration authorities had not yet released an official statement regarding the incident.