Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua sues Gen Muhoozi over deportation from Uganda

Kenyan lawyer and former Justice Minister Martha Karua has initiated legal proceedings against Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Karua is suing the army chief over her recent deportation from Uganda, arguing it was unlawful and violates her rights as an East African Community citizen.

Karua, who serves as lead counsel for veteran opposition politician Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused Hajj Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, stated in an affidavit filed before the High Court that she was denied entry into Uganda on June 22, 2026. This occurred despite possessing a Special Practising Certificate from the Uganda Law Council, authorizing her to appear in Ugandan courts.

The legal challenge is linked to the ongoing treason case against Besigye and Lutale, as well as a human rights application where they accuse Gen. Muhoozi of orchestrating Karua’s expulsion. Karua contends that her deportation is a deliberate tactic to dismantle their legal defence, especially following the earlier arrest of fellow defence lawyer Erias Lukwago.

Karua alleges that upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport, her passport was stamped, but she was subsequently separated from her delegation. Immigration officials reportedly confiscated her mobile phones without explanation, before informing her that she was barred from entering Uganda due to unspecified security concerns. Although her phones were later returned, Karua refused to reclaim them, fearing potential compromise of confidential lawyer-client communications.

She was then served with a notice classifying her as a prohibited immigrant and directing Kenya Airways to remove her. Karua argues that the ‘persona non grata’ designation is not a legally recognized ground for denial of entry under the relevant act. She asserts she was deported to Nairobi without being informed of the reasons or given an opportunity to challenge the decision.

Furthermore, Karua’s affidavit cites social media posts attributed to Gen. Muhoozi’s X account, published shortly after her deportation. In these posts, Muhoozi allegedly claimed responsibility for her deportation and made threatening remarks about Dr. Besigye. Karua argues these statements demonstrate Muhoozi’s personal involvement in an immigration matter, exceeding his constitutional mandate as CDF.

She contends that her deportation deprives Besigye and Lutale of their chosen legal representation, thereby jeopardizing their constitutional right to a fair trial. Karua is seeking court intervention to prevent the potential undermining of the legal profession’s independence and the constitutional order.

This article is based on reporting from The Observer (Uganda).