Law Society of Kenya Demands Clarity Over Martha Karua’s Uganda Entry Denial
NAIROBI, Kenya, June 23 – The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has called upon relevant authorities to provide clarity regarding the circumstances surrounding the denial of entry to Senior Counsel Martha Karua to the Republic of Uganda while travelling to observe the arraignment of Hon. Erias Lukwago, Advocate and to support efforts aimed at safeguarding the rights of a fellow member of the legal profession.
In a statement issued by LSK on Monday June 22 2026 states that the development comes only days after the reported arrest and detention of Hon. Lukwago, who serves as Lead Counsel in the proceedings involving Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale.
“The reported denial of entry to Senior Counsel Karua raises serious concerns regarding the ability of advocates and members of the legal profession within the East African Community to freely engage on matters touching on the administration of justice and the Rule of Law”, reads the statement by LSK.
Senior Counsel Martha Karua is one of Kenya’s most distinguished advocates and a respected member of the East African legal community.
Karua’s intended visit to Uganda was in connection with matters touching on the administration of justice and the welfare of a fellow advocate. The reported decision to deny her entry therefore raises concerns that extend beyond the circumstances of a single individual.
The Law Society of Kenya noted that it fully respects the sovereignty of the Republic of Uganda and recognises the authority of every State to regulate entry into its territory in accordance with its laws.
“The East African Community is founded upon shared commitments to the Rule of Law, constitutional governance, regional cooperation, and the free movement of East African citizens, these principles form the foundation upon which trust, cooperation, and regional integration are built”.
East African Court of Justice has previously affirmed the rights of citizens of Partner States under the Treaty establishing the East African Community and emphasised that limitations to those rights must be exercised lawfully, transparently and consistently with the Treaty framework.
“The issue before us is larger than Hon. Erias Lukwago or Senior Counsel Martha Karua. It concerns the ability of advocates across East Africa to stand beside their clients, support their colleagues, observe legal proceedings, and discharge their professional responsibilities without undue hindrance”.
Legal profession cannot remain indifferent where circumstances arise that appear to constrain those freedoms.
Subsequently, the Law Society of Kenya now calls on relevant authorities to provide clarity regarding the circumstances surrounding the denial of entry to Senior Counsel Martha Karua and to ensure that all actions taken are consistent with the Constitution of Uganda.
“The Law Society of Kenya stands firmly with Hon. Erias Lukwago, Senior Counsel Martha Karua, the Uganda Law Society, and the wider East African legal fraternity”.
“We shall continue to monitor developments closely and remain steadfast in the defence of the Rule of Law, the independence of the legal profession, and the values that bind the East African Community together”.
