Former Kenyan Justice Minister Blocked From Entering Uganda, Lawyers’ Body Says
A former Kenyan justice minister and prominent lawyer, Martha Karua, was prevented from entering Uganda, according to a regional lawyers’ body, prompting concern from legal advocates across East Africa. Karua was travelling to represent a detained Ugandan opposition figure whose case has drawn significant regional attention.
Who Martha Karua was set to represent
Karua had been engaged as defence counsel for Kizza Besigye, a veteran Ugandan opposition politician who is currently facing a treason charge. Besigye, who has run against Uganda’s long-serving president on multiple occasions, has been a central figure in the country’s political opposition for years. His trial has attracted scrutiny from human rights organisations and legal bodies who have questioned aspects of the proceedings.
Reaction from the legal community
A lawyers’ body reported that Karua was blocked from entering Uganda, an incident that has raised questions about access to legal representation and the freedom of advocates to practise across borders in the region. Such professional associations frequently monitor cases involving the rights of lawyers to represent clients without obstruction, particularly in politically sensitive matters. The reported denial of entry is likely to amplify existing concerns about due process and the independence of the judiciary in handling high-profile opposition cases in Uganda.
Broader context
Cross-border legal representation has become an increasingly visible issue in East Africa, where opposition figures in several countries have sought counsel from lawyers based in neighbouring states. Kenya and Uganda share a long and porous border, and legal professionals routinely move between the two countries. Incidents involving the blocking of lawyers at entry points have previously drawn criticism from international bar associations and rights groups, who argue that such actions undermine the right to counsel of one’s choosing.
What happens next
The reported incident comes at a sensitive moment in Besigye’s ongoing treason proceedings, where questions of access to defence lawyers and the conditions of his detention have been recurring issues. Legal observers will be watching closely to see whether Karua’s case leads to formal statements from regional or international legal bodies, and whether Uganda offers an explanation for the reported denial of entry.
Source: BBC News — read the original report.
