Two Kenyan activists, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, have been confirmed safe after being missing for five weeks in Uganda. They are currently being transported from Busia, Uganda, to Nairobi, Kenya.
Circumstances of Disappearance
Eyewitnesses reported on Saturday seeing Mr. Njagi and Mr. Oyoo being forced into a vehicle by masked individuals in uniform following a political event. The event involved supporting Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine.
Responses and Advocacy
Ugandan police stated that the individuals were not in their custody. Kenyan human rights organizations subsequently engaged with Ugandan authorities regarding the matter.
Activist organization Vocal Africa confirmed the activists' safety. In a joint statement, Vocal Africa, the Law Society of Kenya, and Amnesty International expressed gratitude to the Kenyan and Ugandan governments, activists, journalists, diplomats, and citizens involved in the efforts.
Mr. Wine, who is a presidential candidate for elections next year against incumbent President Yoweri Museveni, stated that the two Kenyans were targeted due to their association with him.
Previous Incidents
Reports indicate that Ugandan security agencies have previously detained opposition politicians and supporters, sometimes by individuals not in uniform. Some individuals arrested have later appeared in court facing criminal charges.
The recent disappearance follows similar incidents involving political figures and activists within the East African region.
- Last year, Mr. Njagi was detained in Kenya by masked individuals during a period when government critics were reportedly targeted. He reappeared a month later after a court order directed police to produce him. Mr. Njagi later described his experiences while in captivity.
- Earlier this year, Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire were detained in Tanzania and held without communication for several days before being released at their respective national borders. They later described their treatment during detention, with Tanzanian police dismissing the allegations as "hearsay."
- Last year, Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye was reported missing in Nairobi and later appeared four days later in a military court in Uganda, facing treason charges.
These events have contributed to discussions regarding patterns of detentions involving activists and political figures across East African nations.