Nairobi: Martha Karua, Kenya's former Minister for Justice, was prevented from entering Uganda on Tuesday morning, triggering a brief diplomatic standoff that required mediation by the British High Commission in Kampala. Karua, a prominent opposition figure in Kenya, was en route to attend a regional human rights conference when Ugandan immigration officials denied her entry at Entebbe International Airport, citing an alleged “national security concern.”
The incident unfolded shortly after her flight from Nairobi touched down at 7:30 a.m. local time. According to sources close to the delegation, Karua was held in the transit lounge for two hours before the British High Commissioner to Uganda, Kate Airey, intervened. Airey, acting on instructions from London, secured Karua’s temporary admittance on the condition that she remain within the airport perimeter and depart on the evening flight to Nairobi. The compromise allowed Karua to conduct her scheduled meetings with conference organisers via video link from a private room in the terminal.
Karua’s blocked entry comes against the backdrop of strained relations between Kenya and Uganda. The two East African nations, both members of the East African Community, have seen periodic tensions over trade routes and political alignment. Karua, a lawyer and former presidential candidate, has been a vocal critic of Uganda’s current administration. However, the Ugandan government has not publicly linked the denial to her political affiliations. In a brief statement, Uganda’s Ministry of Internal Affairs said the decision was based on “routine security checks” and declined further comment.
The British High Commission’s involvement is notable. The United Kingdom has long viewed Uganda as a key partner in the region, particularly on security and counterterrorism. London’s mediation suggests a desire to prevent the incident from escalating into a broader diplomatic dispute. A spokesperson for the British High Commission confirmed the intervention, stating: “We facilitated discussions between the parties to ensure a resolution consistent with regional norms.”
Reactions in Nairobi have been swift. Kenya’s Foreign Ministry summoned Uganda’s High Commissioner to Nairobi for an explanation. Meanwhile, Kenyan opposition leaders condemned the action as a “violation of regional protocols” and a “blatant disregard for fundamental freedoms.” The incident is likely to feature in discussions at the upcoming Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) summit scheduled for next week.
For Karua, the experience mirrors earlier instances of travel restrictions faced by regional opposition figures. Human rights organisations have criticised Uganda’s use of national security provisions to block entry to critics, a practice they argue undermines the free movement of persons guaranteed under the East African Community treaty. The Ugandan Foreign Ministry has not indicated whether Karua will be permitted to enter the country in the future.
As Karua boarded her return flight, she issued a brief statement: “I came in peace to engage on matters of justice. That I should be turned away speaks volumes about the state of democracy in our region.” The British High Commission’s role as mediator underscores the delicate balance of power and persuasion in East Africa’s geopolitical landscape.
