Kenyan lawyer and politician Martha Karua plans to sue the Ugandan government after being denied entry and deported from Entebbe International Airport. In an interview with NTV Kenya, she described her experience as distressing, claiming that immigration officials detained her during the incident.

Detained opposition politician Col. (Rtd) Dr. Kizza Besigye has addressed High Court Judge Emmanuel Baguma, expressing concerns over violations of his constitutional right to a fair trial. In a letter dated July 1, 2026, Besigye insisted that his preferred legal representatives, deported Kenyan Senior Counsel Martha Karua and jailed lawyer Erias Lukwago, should remain as his primary lawyers despite their current circumstances.

Martha Karua, a former Kenyan justice minister and lawyer for detained Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye, was reportedly blocked from entering Uganda, according to the lawyers' body. Besigye is currently on trial for treason.

Opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye and co-accused Hajj Obeid Lutale have informed the High Court in Kampala that they will continue to be represented by their chosen legal team, which includes Kenyan Senior Counsel Martha Karua and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago. They rejected any proposals to accept alternative lawyers, maintaining their stance on their preferred defense.

Martha Karua, leader of the People's Liberation Party, recounted her experience after being denied entry into Uganda. She described prolonged delays and restricted movement at the airport, where immigration officers questioned her repeatedly and confined her in an airport lounge under security watch for hours. Karua had traveled to Uganda with Law Society of Kenya President Charles Kanjama to attend court proceedings related to a bail application for a Ugandan opposition leader.

According to the Defenders Coalition, Uganda's decision to block Martha Karua raises concerns about access to justice, free movement within the East African Community, and the independence of the legal profession. The rights group is calling for an explanation from Ugandan authorities regarding this action.