Martha Karua Returns to Kenya After Uganda Denies Her Entry, Declares Her Persona Non Grata

People’s Liberation Party leader and Senior Counsel Martha Karua arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Monday evening after being denied entry into Uganda and deported back to Kenya by Ugandan authorities.

Karua said immigration officials at Entebbe International Airport informed her that she had been flagged under a “red alert” before serving her with a notice declaring her a prohibited immigrant and persona non grata.

Documents issued by Uganda’s Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control show that Karua was denied entry under Uganda’s Citizenship and Immigration Control Act and ordered to be returned to Kenya on the next available flight.

The notice, dated June 22, 2026, identifies Karua as a Kenyan national and states that she was denied entry on grounds that she was considered “persona non grata.”

Addressing journalists upon arrival at JKIA, Karua displayed the immigration notice and questioned the basis of the decision, saying she had travelled to Uganda in her capacity as an advocate.

Her deportation comes amid heightened political tensions in Uganda and days after several developments involving the legal team representing veteran Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye.

Karua has been part of Besigye’s defence team in ongoing court proceedings in Kampala.

Earlier on Monday, the Uganda Law Society confirmed that Karua had initially been cleared at Entebbe before immigration officials reversed the decision and barred her from entering the country. According to the society, she was subsequently ordered to return to Kenya.

Ugandan authorities had not publicly explained the alleged “red alert” by the time of publication.

However, the immigration notice seen by journalists cites only one reason for the denial of entry: “Persona non grata.”

The incident is likely to trigger diplomatic and legal questions, particularly given Karua’s role as counsel in ongoing cases involving Ugandan opposition figures.

In recent weeks, members of Besigye’s legal team have reported arrests, restrictions and legal challenges linked to the high-profile treason proceedings facing the opposition leader.

The Senior Counsel Bar of Kenya had earlier condemned Karua’s detention at Entebbe, describing it as a violation of her rights and interference with her professional duties as an advocate representing a client before Ugandan courts.

Further details are expected as Karua addresses the circumstances surrounding her deportation and possible next legal steps.