“I deported her myself.”
That explosive statement from Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba has ignited fresh controversy across East Africa.
The powerful military chief and son of President Yoweri Museveni publicly claimed responsibility for the deportation of Kenyan politician and People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, saying she is no longer welcome in Uganda.
Taking to X on June 23, Muhoozi dismissed suggestions that his father was behind the decision.
“Do not blame my great father for this decision. I deported her myself. She’s no longer allowed in our country,” he posted.
The remarks quickly triggered fierce reactions online, with supporters praising the move while critics accused Uganda of undermining regional cooperation and the rule of law.
The dramatic declaration comes just days after Karua was blocked from entering Uganda through Entebbe International Airport and informed she had been declared persona non grata.
Karua had travelled to Kampala to join the legal team representing veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye, who is currently facing treason charges.
The decision has raised serious questions from both the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the Uganda Law Society (ULS), which argue that Karua held a valid special practising certificate authorising her participation in the high-profile case.
Pressure is now mounting after the East Africa Law Society condemned the deportation and announced plans to challenge the move in court.
The controversy deepens as Besigye recently accused Muhoozi of making public statements and alleged death threats that could compromise his right to a fair trial. Muhoozi has since asked Uganda’s High Court to dismiss the claims, describing them as baseless.
Besigye, one of President Museveni’s longest-serving political rivals, has remained in detention on treason charges since his controversial arrest and return to Uganda from Kenya in late 2024.
With Karua barred, legal battles intensifying, and Muhoozi openly taking responsibility, the diplomatic and political fallout is only getting bigger.