The Africa Judges and Jurists Forum (AJJF) expresses its profound concern over the denial of entry into Uganda of Senior Counsel Martha Karua, who had traveled to represent Kampala lawyer and former Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago in legal proceedings.
Senior Counsel Martha Karua was intercepted by immigration authorities at Entebbe International Airport and denied entry into the Republic of Uganda. Senior Counsel Karua is a distinguished member of the Kenya Law Society, East African Law Society and former Minister for Justice and Constitutional Affairs of Kenya. Counsel Martha Karua also leads a team of lawyers, including Adv. Erias Lukwago, in a criminal case against Uganda’s opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye and one Obeid Lutale.
As a continental platform of judges, jurists, and legal scholars, AJJF’s core objective is to promote constitutionalism, protect judicial independence, and enhance access to justice throughout Africa. In accordance with this mandate, AJJF does not intervene in the political merits of domestic disputes, nor does it contest the sovereign border management of member states. However, when administrative state powers are utilised in a manner that selectively restricts the movement of regional jurists, it directly implicates the structural integrity of the justice system.
The President of AJJF, former Chief Justice of Kenya, Dr. Willy W. Mutunga noted that “the denial of entry to Senior Counsel Martha Karua is a regrettable affront to the legal profession and to the rights of litigants to be represented by counsel of their choice. AJJF calls upon the authorities to respect due process, uphold the rule of law and ensure that legal practitioners can carry out their duties without obstruction.”
The recently elected Chair of AJJF, Justice Oagile B.K Dingake, Justice of the Supreme and Court of Papua New Guinea stated that AJJF stands in solidarity with Senior Counsel Karua and with all jurists who face barriers in the exercise of their professional responsibilities. The Forum reaffirms its commitment to defending the rights of lawyers, judges and citizens across Africa.”
Members of the Judicial Elders’ Council of AJJF constituted by retired eminent jurists from the African continent emphasised their solidarity with regional bar associations, including, the Uganda Law Society, the Law Society of Kenya, and the East Africa Law Society, in their active promotion of cross-border legal practice as a vital contribution to regional integration.
For more information please contact: info@africajurists.org