The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Nearly a week after the abduction of two Kenyan activists — Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo — in broad daylight in Kampala, Ugandan police have denied any involvement in their disappearance, even as concern mounts over cross-border abductions in the region.
Addressing journalists, Uganda Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said there was no record of the two being in police custody.
“The Kenyan activists said to have disappeared after joining a rally in Uganda are not in our custody. I have not received any briefing or report indicating that they were arrested or accused by police,” Rusoke stated.
He added that no formal report had been filed with the police regarding their disappearance.
“I don’t have information confirming that they are missing persons or that their case has been officially reported,” he said.
Despite the police denial, two Ugandan lawyers, together with human rights defenders, filed a habeas corpus application at the High Court’s Civil Division in Kampala. They are seeking an order compelling the authorities to produce the two missing Kenyans in court.
The petition lists as respondents the Chief of Defence Forces, Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Inspector General of Police, and Attorney General of Uganda. The activists are alleged to be detained at a military intelligence facility in Mbuya.
Ugandan lawyer Kato Tumusiime linked the disappearance to political repression, claiming the pair were targeted for attending a rally supporting an opposition presidential candidate.
“We believe they were abducted for showing solidarity with the opposition. This is becoming a regional concern that affects the entire East African Community,” he said.
Human rights advocate James Ssuna warned that such cases point to a growing pattern of state repression across the region.
“Leaders are not only going after politicians but also activists and ordinary citizens. This trend is alarming,” he said.
In Nairobi, families of the missing men, together with rights groups, condemned both governments, calling the incident a violation of East African Community principles and international law.
Nobert Ochieng, brother to one of the missing activists, appealed for urgent action.
“We urge the Ugandan government to reveal their whereabouts and release them immediately. We also call on the Kenyan government to step in and ensure their safe return,” he said.
Hussein Khalid, Executive Director of Vocal Africa, said the detention — if confirmed — breaches both Ugandan and international human rights standards.
“It is unacceptable that, despite diplomatic efforts and public concern, the two remain held incommunicado,” Khalid said.
Later, the families and activists met with Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei, who assured them that the Kenyan government is engaging Ugandan authorities to secure the activists’ release.
