A diplomatic row is escalating between Kenya and Uganda after Martha Karua, a former Kenyan justice minister and prominent opposition figure, was denied entry into Uganda on Tuesday. The incident, which occurred at Entebbe International Airport, has drawn a sharp rebuke from the United Kingdom, with officials warning that the action could undermine regional stability in East Africa.
Karua, who serves as a legal adviser to Kenya’s opposition coalition, was reportedly travelling to Kampala for a scheduled meeting with civil society groups. Ugandan authorities provided no official reason for the barring, but sources suggest it is linked to Karua’s outspoken criticism of the Ugandan government’s human rights record. In recent months, Karua has publicly condemned the arrest of opposition figures and the suppression of dissent in Uganda under President Yoweri Museveni’s administration.
The UK Foreign Office issued a statement expressing deep concern. “Denying entry to a senior political figure without explanation is not consistent with the principles of the East African Community,” the statement read. “Such actions risk fuelling tensions and eroding the trust necessary for regional cooperation. We urge Uganda to respect the rule of law and the free movement of individuals in the region.”
This incident comes at a time of heightened political sensitivity in East Africa. Kenya is itself navigating a volatile political landscape following disputed elections in 2022, while Uganda faces growing international scrutiny over its crackdown on opposition ahead of the 2026 elections. The barring of Karua, a figure with significant influence in Kenyan legal circles and a history of advocating for judicial independence, is seen by analysts as a move that could strain bilateral relations.
Dr. Amina Hassan, a political scientist at the University of Nairobi, described the event as a “diplomatic misstep”. “By blocking a former minister from a neighbouring country without due process, Uganda risks alienating its allies and giving ammunition to critics who accuse the Museveni government of authoritarianism,” she said. “The UK warning is significant; it signals that Western powers are watching closely and may reconsider their aid or trade positions if such actions persist.”
The Ugandan government has not yet issued a formal response. However, a senior official speaking on condition of anonymity said that Karua’s entry was denied “on security grounds” but declined to elaborate. This explanation has been met with scepticism from human rights groups, who note that Karua has no history of inciting violence and is a respected legal mind.
From a broader perspective, this incident underscores the fragility of regional integration in East Africa. The East African Community, of which both Kenya and Uganda are members, guarantees free movement of persons. Yet, border disputes, trade spats, and political interference have frequently tested these commitments. The UK, as a key development partner for both nations, has a vested interest in stability. Its warning may serve as a catalyst for diplomatic engagement, but it also highlights the limits of external pressure in the face of entrenched political interests.
For now, Karua remains in Nairobi, where she has indicated she will not escalate the matter but will instead pursue dialogue through official channels. The ball is now in Uganda’s court. How it handles this episode will signal whether it values regional solidarity or is willing to risk isolation to maintain domestic control. The coming days will be critical as the UK and other partners watch for signs of de-escalation or further tension.
