Uganda Army Chief Muhoozi Claims Responsibility for Martha Karua’s Deportation

Ugandan Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba has publicly claimed responsibility for the deportation of People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua, saying he personally ordered her removal from the country. 

In a statement posted on X on June 23, seen by Kenyans.co.ke, Muhoozi responded to reports by Kenyan media, declaring that Karua was no longer permitted to enter Uganda. 

The chief, who is the son of President Yoweri Museveni, further urged the public not to attribute the decision to the Ugandan head of state. 

“Do not blame my great father for this decision. I deported her myself. She’s no longer allowed in our country,” Muhoozi wrote. 

The post sparked widespread public reaction, with some users expressing outrage while others voiced support for the decision.

Muhoozi’s remarks came days after Karua was denied entry into Uganda at Entebbe International Airport on June 22, with immigration authorities informing her that she had been declared persona non grata.

Karua had travelled to Uganda to represent opposition leader Kizza Besigye in a case in which he is facing treason charges. 

In response, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and Ugandan Law Society (ULS) have questioned why Karua was barred from entry despite holding a special practising certificate allowing participation in the high-profile case.

The East Africa Law Society subsequently condemned the move and announced plans to move to court over the incident. 

The comments come after Besigye recently filed an application in court accusing Muhoozi of public death threats and statements that allegedly undermine his right to a fair trial. 

Consequently, the Chief of Defence asked the High Court in Kampala to dismiss it, terming the claims as unsubstantiated. 

Besigye has been detained on treason charges since he was seized in Kenya and forcibly returned to Uganda in late 2024. 

He has been a long-standing political opponent of Museveni and has been detained multiple times.