In a statement issued on Monday, ULS vice president Anthony Asiimwe said the society was closely monitoring reports surrounding Ms Karua's treatment at Entebbe International Airport after she travelled to Uganda to attend court proceedings involving Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.
The latest intervention adds Uganda's lawyers' body to a growing list of organisations that have criticised the incident, following earlier statements by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and Karua's People's Liberation Party (PLP).
"Ms. Karua had travelled to Uganda to observe and attend the bail application of our distinguished member, Haji Erias Lukwago, who faces charges of misprision of treason and remains in custody," Mr Asiimwe said.
He said Ms Karua was part of an East Africa Law Society delegation that also included Law Society of Kenya president Charles Kanjama and advocate Daniel Kieme Gicheru.
"While the rest of the delegation was cleared for entry, Ms. Karua was informed by immigration authorities that she would be returned to Kenya. No formal reasons have been provided for this decision, and reports indicate that her phone was temporarily confiscated," he said.
The Uganda Law Society said the matter raised broader concerns beyond an individual traveller because it touched on key pillars underpinning regional integration.
"This development is of significant concern to the Uganda Law Society, as it touches upon the core principles of the East African Community, particularly the free movement of persons, labour, and services, as well as the mutual recognition of professional qualifications across member states," Mr Asiimwe said.
The society also revealed that Ms Karua was duly authorised to practise in Uganda in connection with the ongoing criminal proceedings involving opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye and his co-accused, Hajj Obeid Lutale.
"Senior Counsel Karua holds a valid Special Practising Certificate issued by the Uganda Law Council under Section 18 of the Advocates Act, authorising her to appear together with Adv. Erias Lukwago in the defence of Dr. Kizza Besigye and Haji Obeid Lutale in Criminal Session Case No. 335 of 2025," Mr Asiimwe said.
However, ULS said it would avoid escalating the matter publicly as it pursues engagement with relevant authorities.
"In the interest of constructive engagement, the Society will refrain from further public comment at this stage, pending full inquiries and consultations with the relevant authorities," he said.
Nonetheless, the lawyers' body reiterated its support for legal practitioners carrying out their professional duties.
"The Uganda Law Society stands in solidarity with all advocates who encounter obstacles in the lawful discharge of their professional responsibilities. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the independence of the legal profession, the right to a fair hearing, and the fundamental principles of the rule of law in Uganda," Mr Asiimwe said.
The statement comes hours after Kenya's Law Society called for clarity from Ugandan authorities, arguing that the incident had implications for lawyers operating across East Africa.
LSK president Charles Kanjama said the denial of entry raised "serious concerns regarding the ability of advocates and members of the legal profession within the East African Community to freely engage on matters touching on the administration of justice and the Rule of Law."
Meanwhile, Karua's People's Liberation Party described the deportation as "a direct assault on the independence of the legal profession and a blatant disregard for the freedom of movement within the East African Community."
Ms Karua was travelling to Uganda to support the legal team representing Dr Besigye and Mr Lutale, a case that has attracted regional attention in recent months.
Her deportation also came days after Mr Lukwago, one of the lead defence lawyers, was arrested and charged with misprision of treason