When Lawyers become the target
The deportation of Martha Karua is more than a diplomatic embarrassment; it is a troubling signal about due process, regional integration, and Uganda’s democratic credibility
June 26, 2026
By Elvis Kintu Nsonyi
New York City
Uganda’s government is struggling to explain its profoundly troubling deportation of Martha Karua, the Kenyan Senior Counsel whose only apparent offense was attempting to perform her duty as a lawyer.
Karua was not an ordinary visitor crossing the border on private business. She is one of East Africa’s most respected legal figures: a former Kenyan Minister of Justice, a former presidential candidate, and lead counsel in one of the region’s most politically sensitive cases — the treason trial of Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused.
Her purpose in Uganda was neither tourism nor leisure. She had traveled to discharge a basic professional duty: to represent her clients and observe court proceedings in a matter of grave public importance. Yet upon arrival, she was reportedly detained, had her communication devices confiscated, was declared persona non grata, and was summarily deported.
For a country that proudly calls itself “The Pearl of Africa,” this episode was more than an affront to a distinguished regional legal practitioner. It was a self-inflicted wound to Uganda’s democratic image, its commitment to due process, and its standing within the East African community.
I can only indeed imagine Karau’s bewilderment because Dr. Besigye himself was abducted from Kenya in circumstances that generated significant regional controversy. And now, a lawyer associated with a case already clouded by allegations of cross-border irregularities is now herself prevented from crossing that very border!
I believe that if East Africa’s integration project were a football match, this would qualify as a spectacular own goal.
The incident comes barely weeks after the dramatic arrest of Erias Lukwago, a former Lord Mayor of Kampala, former Member of Parliament and senior partner at Lukwago & Co. Advocates. Lukwago has long been one of Uganda’s most prominent advocates of constitutionalism and the rule of law.
Having served as Lukwago’s Executive Assistant, I witnessed firsthand his unwavering commitment to legal processes. Whether one agrees with his politics or not, few would dispute his devotion to the courtroom as the arena for resolving disputes. That is why I struggle with images of opposition figures and political actors being subjected to forceful arrests when less confrontational legal avenues remain available.
The implications of Karua’s deportation extend far beyond one individual. The East African Community was established to foster regional cooperation, legal harmonization and the free movement of persons. Lawyers, medics, academicians, journalists and professionals routinely cross borders throughout the region in pursuit of their work.
When a Kenyan advocate is denied entry while attempting to participate in legal proceedings, legitimate questions arise about the region’s commitment to these shared ideals. More importantly, what precedent does this create for Ugandan professionals practicing elsewhere in East Africa?
Despite its internal political challenges and a history of civil strife, Uganda has long been regarded as one of East Africa’s most welcoming nations. Millions of visitors celebrate its renowned hospitality, breathtaking landscapes, and warm people. Unfortunately, the deportation of a senior Kenyan advocate for simply attempting to attend court proceedings risks overshadowing these strengths. Equally troubling is the emerging pattern of vilifying lawyers merely for carrying out their professional duties
I have also seen some “commentators” criticizing Lukwago and his legal team for seeking to summon the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. I wish I could open their brains and insert the words that Courts issue summons, not lawyers. To fault Counsel for pursuing lawful legal remedies is akin to blaming a referee for enforcing the rules of the game.
I also wish to share with them the ample precedent that during the Constitutional age-limit litigation in Mbale in 2018, the then Chief of Defence Forces Gen. David Muhoozi was subjected to judicial scrutiny and cross-examination. This isn’t history it’s recent. It’s therefore important to know that democracy survives not because powerful people avoid accountability, but because accountability is applied equally.
The deportation of Martha Karua may have lasted only a few hours but its consequences, however, could linger much longer.
Uganda stands at its best when it embraces openness and the rule of law. It diminishes itself when legal representation is viewed with suspicion and courtroom participation becomes a matter of border control. Trust me the East Africa Community deserves stronger institutions, not stronger barriers.
If a Lawyer attending court is now considered a threat to national security, then perhaps the real case requiring urgent attention is not before the judge, but before history itself.
