Addressing a joint press conference on behalf of several opposition parties, Acting People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) President Lulume Bayigga said the action against Karua was unlawful and politically motivated, alleging it was intended to weaken the legal team of detained opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye.
Bayigag was joined by leaders from several opposition formations, including People’s Progressive Party (PPP) President Saddam Gayira, Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) President Jimmy Akena, and Democratic Front Eastern Regional Vice President Amoriat.
Karua was on Monday detained at Entebbe International Airport when he arrived in the country to country her work on Dr Besigye's legal team where she is the lead counsel.
She was later deported and reportedly declared persona non-grata in the country.
The leaders said Karua, a senior Kenyan lawyer, former Justice Minister, and former presidential candidate, had travelled to Uganda to support Besigye’s legal team and to express solidarity with Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who is leading the defence in the case involving Besigye and co-accused Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya.
According to Bayiga, Karua was denied entry at Entebbe International Airport, had her communication devices confiscated, and was subsequently deported.
He described the incident as “extremely shameful” and inconsistent with Uganda’s commitments under the East African Community framework on regional integration and free movement.
“It is a direct attempt to intimidate and weaken the legal defense team representing Dr. Besigye,” Bayiga said.
The opposition leaders also questioned the legal basis under which Karua was declared persona non grata, arguing that such decisions must follow established procedures under immigration and national security law.
They further raised concerns over the reported confiscation of her mobile phones, calling for transparency on how the devices were handled while in the custody of authorities.
The leaders warned that the incident risks damaging Uganda’s reputation within the East African Community and beyond, particularly on matters of legal cooperation and regional mobility.
“This is a major embarrassment to Uganda and to a government that claims to support regional integration,” Bayigga said.
Among their key demands, the opposition called for the reversal of Karua’s persona non grata status, the return of any confiscated property, and an end to what they described as interference in judicial and legal processes.
They also urged authorities to uphold the constitutional right of accused persons to legal representation of their choice, warning that any actions undermining that right would weaken confidence in the justice system.
Government and immigration authorities had not issued an official response to the allegations by press time.
Karua, a prominent East African lawyer and political figure, has in recent years played a visible role in high-profile legal and political cases across the region.