People's Front for Freedom Denounces Martha Karua Deportation

The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has issued a strong condemnation of Ugandan authorities following the deportation of prominent Kenyan lawyer and opposition figure Martha Karua. Karua was reportedly detained upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport on June 22, 2026, held incommunicado, and subsequently flown back to Kenya.

PFF described the deportation as an unlawful act and a politically motivated attack on the rule of law. The party asserted that the official justification of Karua being declared ‘persona non grata’ not only disgraces diplomatic relations but also directly challenges legal and East African legal fraternity principles.

According to the PFF statement, Martha Karua is a licensed advocate in Uganda and serves as a key member of the defense team for opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale, who are currently facing treason charges. The party views Karua’s deportation as a deliberate attempt to obstruct Dr. Besigye and Hajji Lutale’s right to choose their legal counsel.

This incident, the PFF noted, is part of a disturbing pattern of interference with legal representatives of opposition politicians. They cited the recent arrest and prosecution of their Executive Chairman, Erias Lukwago, who is also part of Besigye’s legal team, as further evidence.

The party urged the Ugandan government to adhere to international legal standards and cease actions that impede lawyers representing opposition figures. They called for the immediate allowance of Dr. Besigye’s defense team to operate without state interference.

As of press time, government officials had not issued a public response to the PFF’s allegations. Dr. Besigye and Hajji Lutale have been in detention since their apprehension in Nairobi on November 16, 2024, while awaiting Karua’s book launch.

Source: Nile Post