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People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has declared that she will only travel back to Uganda after President Yoweri Museveni is no longer in power.
Her remarks come days after she was denied entry into Uganda and deported upon arrival at Entebbe International Airport on June 22 while travelling to Kampala for legal work connected to opposition-related court cases.
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Karua was reportedly part of a legal team expected to participate in proceedings involving opposition figures when Ugandan immigration officials stopped her from entering the country.
After returning to Nairobi, the former Justice Minister condemned the move, saying it reflected broader concerns about democratic freedoms and the rule of law within the East African region.
“I will visit Uganda after Museveni leaves power,” Karua said, adding that no leader should consider themselves a president for life.
She further stressed that governments across the region must uphold constitutional principles and respect the rule of law.
According to Karua, leadership is temporary and should always be exercised within the limits of the constitution rather than personal authority.
She also argued that legal professionals should not be denied access to countries because of political considerations.
Karua’s deportation has sparked widespread reactions from political leaders and legal bodies across East Africa, with many questioning the reasons behind the decision.
The Uganda Law Society called for an explanation over the circumstances that led to her removal, while several Kenyan leaders described the incident as a setback for regional democracy and cross-border legal cooperation.
Karua has been actively involved in legal and human rights work across the region, frequently representing or supporting opposition figures in politically sensitive cases.
Her latest visit to Uganda was reportedly linked to ongoing court proceedings involving opposition politicians in Kampala.
Although Ugandan authorities have not publicly explained the reasons for denying her entry, reports indicate she was declared persona non grata upon arrival before being escorted back to Kenya.
The incident has renewed debate over political freedoms, civic space, and the treatment of lawyers representing opposition figures in Uganda.
Karua maintained that East African countries should remain committed to democratic governance, constitutionalism, and respect for fundamental rights.
