Muhoozi Confirms Deportation of Martha Karua, Cites Security Concerns

Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has publicly confirmed that he ordered the deportation of Kenyan lawyer and former Justice Minister Martha Karua, describing the move as a necessary security measure against what he called “foreign-sponsored political activities.” Karua, a Senior Counsel of the Kenyan Bar, was denied entry at Entebbe International Airport on Monday and promptly returned to Nairobi after immigration authorities declared her a prohibited immigrant. Her visit was intended to attend court proceedings for former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who is cur

Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has publicly confirmed that he ordered the deportation of Kenyan lawyer and former Justice Minister Martha Karua, describing the move as a necessary security measure against what he called “foreign-sponsored political activities.”

Karua, a Senior Counsel of the Kenyan Bar, was denied entry at Entebbe International Airport on Monday and promptly returned to Nairobi after immigration authorities declared her a prohibited immigrant.

Her visit was intended to attend court proceedings for former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who is currently facing a charge of misprision of treason. Karua is also part of the legal team supporting veteran opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gen. Muhoozi made his role clear:

“Do not blame my great father for this decision. I deported her myself. She’s no longer allowed in our country.”

He later added:

“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 deportation has drawn sharp criticism from regional legal bodies. The Law Society of Kenya expressed concern, noting that its president, Senior Counsel Charles Kanjama, had travelled alongside Karua for the same matter but was allowed entry without issue.

The Uganda Law Society and the East Africa Law Society have also called on Ugandan authorities to provide a clear explanation, citing concerns over due process, constitutional rights, and Uganda’s obligations under the East African Community (EAC) treaty.

Karua herself stated that she had initially been cleared through immigration before officials later reversed the decision based on higher instructions.

As of now, Ugandan officials have not issued a formal government statement beyond Gen. Muhoozi’s social media posts.

Kenyan Senior Counsel Martha Karua was denied entry into Uganda on June 22, 2026, and deported back to Nairobi. CDF Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba later confirmed he ordered the move, citing security concerns. Karua had travelled to Kampala for court proceedings involving opposition figures Erias Lukwago and Dr. Kizza Besigye.

CDF Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has publicly confirmed that he ordered the deportation of Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua, saying it was a security decision. He urged Ugandans not to blame the President, stating: “I deported her myself.