Kenya’s former justice minister, Martha Karua, was denied entry to Uganda on Friday, prompting a sharply worded response from the United Kingdom urging respect for the rule of law within the Commonwealth. Karua, a prominent opposition figure, was travelling to Kampala for a conference on democratic governance when she was stopped at Entebbe International Airport and placed on a return flight to Nairobi. Ugandan authorities have not issued a formal explanation, though sources suggest her presence was deemed undesirable due to her vocal criticism of President Yoweri Museveni’s government.
The incident has reignited tensions within the East African bloc, where the principle of freedom of movement among member states is enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter. In a statement from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, a spokesperson said: “The UK is deeply concerned by the reported denial of entry to Martha Karua. All Commonwealth nations have a responsibility to uphold the rule of law and the rights enshrined in our shared values. We urge the Ugandan government to clarify the circumstances and ensure that such actions do not undermine the free movement of persons.”
Karua, who served as Kenya’s minister for justice and constitutional affairs from 2003 to 2005, has been a persistent critic of the Museveni administration, particularly over its handling of the 2021 elections and the crackdown on opposition figures. She was also a leading figure in the 2017-2018 opposition coalition that challenged President Uhuru Kenyatta’s government in Kenya. Her barring from Uganda is seen as a continuation of a pattern of repression against dissenting voices, which has drawn international condemnation in recent years.
The UK’s intervention carries weight as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a key donor to Uganda. However, analysts note that British pressure has yielded limited results in the past. “The UK’s statement is symbolically important, but it remains to be seen whether it will translate into concrete action,” said Dr. Alistair Smythe, a professor of African politics at the London School of Economics. “Uganda has become increasingly assertive in its sovereignty claims, and Museveni’s government views external criticism as a threat to its legitimacy.”
The incident has also drawn attention to the broader state of democracy in the region. Kenya itself has faced accusations of human rights abuses and electoral irregularities, though its institutions remain more robust than those of its neighbours. The Commonwealth, which suspended Zimbabwe in 2002 over disputed elections, has been criticised for its inconsistent enforcement of its founding values.
Martha Karua has vowed to continue her advocacy, telling reporters at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport: “I will not be silenced by undemocratic acts. The struggle for the rule of law in East Africa continues.” Her legal team is exploring options to challenge the ban before the East African Court of Justice.
The Ugandan government has not responded to requests for comment. However, a senior official speaking on condition of anonymity told Reuters that Karua’s visa was revoked due to “security considerations.” The official did not elaborate.
As the story develops, the UK’s emphasis on Commonwealth principles raises questions about the organisation’s ability to enforce norms among its members. With the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting scheduled for 2024 in Samoa, the Ugandan incident is likely to feature prominently in discussions on governance and the rule of law.