Opposition politician Kizza Besigye has filed a case in the High Court challenging the deportation of Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua, accusing Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba of unlawfully interfering with his constitutional right to legal representation.

The application, jointly filed by Besigye and his co-accused Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, also names the Attorney General as a respondent. The two are seeking several declarations and orders under the Constitution and the Human Rights (Enforcement) Act.

According to the court filing, Karua travelled to Uganda through Entebbe International Airport on June 22, 2026, intending to represent Besigye and Lutale in the treason case they face alongside Denis Oola. They allege that immigration authorities denied her entry, confiscated her mobile phones, declared her a prohibited immigrant, and deported her to Kenya without giving her an opportunity to challenge the decision.

The applicants argue that the government’s actions denied them the freedom to choose their legal counsel and undermined their right to a fair hearing. They further claim that confiscating Karua’s phones compromised confidential communication between lawyer and client.

In their application, Besigye and Lutale contend that Uganda’s immigration laws do not permit a person to be declared a prohibited immigrant on the basis of being labelled persona non grata. They maintain that the decision was made without following the requirements of due process.

The court documents also allege that Karua’s removal was part of a wider effort to frustrate the defence team representing the two accused persons.

As part of that claim, the application refers to the prosecution of lawyer and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, arguing that the charges against him are linked to his role in their defence rather than any legitimate criminal conduct.

Besigye and Lutale are also challenging public statements allegedly made by Gen. Muhoozi on social media, claiming the remarks prejudged Besigye’s criminal case, threatened his safety, and acknowledged responsibility for Karua’s deportation.

They argue that such statements violate constitutional protections, including the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial.

Among the remedies sought, the applicants want the High Court to set aside the decision barring Karua from entering Uganda, permanently restrain authorities from preventing her return to represent them, and stop what they describe as interference with members of their legal team.

They are also seeking general, aggravated and exemplary damages for the alleged violation of their constitutional rights.

In a supporting affidavit, lawyer Morgan Muhindo says he reviewed social media posts attributed to Muhoozi that allegedly claimed responsibility for Karua’s deportation and commented on the defence team. He argues that allowing state officials to influence who may represent accused persons undermines judicial independence and public confidence in the justice system.

The case has been filed before the High Court, which has not yet scheduled a hearing or directed the respondents to file their defence.

Besigye and Lutale are facing treason charges arising from their arrest in Nairobi in November 2024. Prosecutors allege they travelled to Kenya to plan the overthrow of the Ugandan government, allegations they deny.