Sir Simon Smith, a former Kenyan justice minister and respected British lawyer, was detained and denied entry to Uganda yesterday, prompting an immediate response from the UK legal establishment. The Bar Council and Law Society have jointly called on the Foreign Office to demand an explanation from Kampala, warning that the incident sets a dangerous precedent for the rule of law in East Africa.
Sir Simon, who served as Kenya’s attorney general under President Mwai Kibaki, was travelling to Kampala for a legal conference when he was stopped at Entebbe International Airport. According to his legal team, he was held for several hours before being placed on a return flight to Nairobi. No official reason was given, though sources suggest his past criticism of Uganda’s human rights record may have been a factor.
“This is an affront to the principles of justice and free movement,” said a Bar Council spokesperson. “A former minister of justice being treated in such a manner is deeply troubling. We urge the Foreign Office to raise this matter urgently with the Ugandan authorities.”
The incident comes amid growing tensions between Uganda and its neighbours. President Yoweri Museveni’s government has faced international criticism over its crackdown on opposition figures and civil society. Sir Simon has been an outspoken advocate for judicial independence across the continent, and his exclusion raises fears that any lawyer critical of Kampala could face similar treatment.
Labour’s shadow foreign secretary, David Lammy, said he was “deeply concerned” and called for a full investigation. “This treatment of a senior member of the British legal community is unacceptable,” he said. “The Foreign Office must ensure that our diplomats provide consular assistance and that the Ugandan government offers a full account of why Sir Simon was denied entry.”
The Foreign Office has confirmed it is “in contact with the Ugandan authorities” but declined to provide further details. A spokesperson said: “We are aware of the reports and are seeking clarification from the government of Uganda. Consular assistance has been offered to Sir Simon.”
The Kenyan government has also expressed unease. A senior official in Nairobi told the BBC that the incident could damage regional diplomatic relations. “Justice ministers should be able to travel freely within the East African Community,” the official said. “This is a matter we will take up with Uganda at the highest level.”
For now, Sir Simon remains in Nairobi, having declined to speak publicly. Those close to him say he is “shocked but determined” to continue his work promoting the rule of law. The conference he was due to address has been postponed.
The wider legal community is watching closely. The Law Society president said: “If a former attorney general can be turned away without explanation, no lawyer is safe. We will not let this rest until we have answers.”
