Opposition leaders have condemned the deportation of Kenyan lawyer and politician Martha Karua from Uganda, accusing the government of undermining the rule of law and interfering with the right to legal representation.
The leaders say Karua’s deportation was politically motivated and intended to weaken the legal team representing detained opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya.
The leaders were speaking at a joint press conference yesterday in Kampala.
The press conference was attended by several opposition leaders, including People’s Progressive Party (PPP) President Saddam Gayira, Uganda People’s Congress-UPC President Jimmy Akena, and Democratic Front Eastern Regional Vice President Amuriat.
Lulume Bayiga, the Acting President of the People’s Front for Freedoom-PFF party, says Karua was stopped at Entebbe International Airport, her phones were taken by authorities, and she was later deported.
He argues that Karua had travelled to Uganda to support Besigye’s defence team and was also expected to visit Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who is part of the legal team.
Bayiga says denying Karua entry into Uganda was unfair and contrary to the principles of the East African Community, which promotes regional cooperation and free movement of people.
The opposition leaders also questioned remarks previously made by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba regarding Karua’s visit, arguing that immigration decisions should follow established legal procedures and not be influenced by security officials.
By the time of filing this report, neither the government nor immigration authorities had issued an official response to the allegations.
By URN
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