KAMPALA .The powerful Chief of Defence Forces and also First Son Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has defended the decision to deport Kenyan senior lawyer and former Justice Minister Martha Karua, saying the move was part of broader security efforts targeting what he described as foreign-backed political activities.
Karua, a Senior Counsel of the Kenyan Bar, was denied entry into Uganda on Monday and returned to Nairobi after immigration authorities classified her as a prohibited immigrant.
The development triggered concern from legal circles across the region, including the Uganda Law Society, the Law Society of Kenya and the East Africa Law Society, all of which called for an explanation from Ugandan authorities.
In a post on X, MK as he is fondly called by his peers claimed responsibility for the decision, saying: “Do not blame my great father for this decision. I deported her myself. She’s no longer allowed in our country.”
He further explained “Our operations against the Opposition last week are a reassurance to the great Ugandan people by the Security Forces that Uganda will NEVER be led or controlled by a foreign-sponsored political organisation!”
The remarks come against the backdrop of heightened political tensions following the arrest and prosecution of former Kampala Lord Mayor and senior lawyer Erias Lukwago , who faces a charge of misprision of treason.
Lukwago ,56 is also a key member of the legal team representing veteran opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye who was arrested in November 2024 and currently in incarceration over alleged subversive activities .
Karua on Monday morning had travelled to Kampala to attend court proceedings involving Lukwago and to support Besigye’s defence team.
In an interview with Kenyan media upon arrival in Nairobi Karua said Ugandan authorities had classified her as persona non grata. She said she was initially cleared through immigration before officials informed her that instructions had been issued denying her entry.
The Law Society of Kenya described the decision as troubling, noting that Karua and its president, Senior Counsel Charles Kanjama, had travelled to Uganda for the same matter, but only Karua was turned away.
The East Africa Law Society similarly called for the immediate disclosure of the reasons behind the decision and urged Ugandan authorities to uphold constitutional guarantees, due process and regional commitments under the East African Community framework.