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Two Kenyan human rights defenders have reportedly gone missing in Uganda after being abducted by unidentified armed men while participating in a campaign event organized by opposition leader Bobi Wine.
According to reports, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo were seized on Wednesday afternoon at a petrol station in Kampala and forced into a waiting vehicle by men carrying firearms. The two had been attending a political gathering in support of Bobi Wine, who is preparing to challenge President Yoweri Museveni in Uganda’s upcoming general elections scheduled for next year.
Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, condemned what he described as a “mafia-style abduction,” accusing Ugandan security agencies of targeting the activists for their association with his political movement.
“We strongly denounce this criminal act by the rogue regime,” Wine wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “These brothers have been abducted simply for standing with us in our struggle for freedom. We demand their immediate and unconditional release.”
Authorities Deny Involvement
Ugandan police spokesperson Kituma Rusoke denied that the two activists were in police custody, suggesting that other security agencies might have been involved.
“Those fellows are not with us. You may need to check with other agencies,” Rusoke told the BBC.
When contacted, Felix Kulayigye, spokesperson for the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), said he could not confirm the allegations, stating that the claims involved non-uniformed operatives. He urged Bobi Wine to provide evidence linking any specific security agency to the incident.
Kenyan authorities have also stated that they are not yet aware of the full details of the case.
Rights Groups Demand Answers
The disappearance of the two activists has prompted an outcry from human rights organizations across the region. In a joint statement addressed to the Ugandan High Commission, the Law Society of Kenya, Amnesty International Kenya, and Vocal Africa expressed deep concern, calling the incident part of a disturbing trend of enforced disappearances targeting political activists and government critics.
The groups have urged Ugandan authorities to urgently disclose the whereabouts of Njagi and Oyoo and to guarantee their safety.
Eyewitness Account
A witness who spoke to Kenya’s Citizen TV on condition of anonymity described the scene, saying four armed men and one woman confronted the activists before forcing them into a vehicle that quickly drove away.
“They took Bob and Oyoo Ochieng, the secretary general of the Free Kenya Movement. We have not been able to reach them since,” the witness said.
Videos circulating on social media show Njagi participating actively in Bobi Wine’s campaign activities, including appearing on stage beside the opposition leader. The activists reportedly entered Uganda earlier in the week with a delegation supporting Wine’s campaign.
History of Similar Cases
This is not the first time Njagi has been targeted. In 2023, he was allegedly abducted by masked men in Kenya during a wave of disappearances linked to critics of the government. He remained missing for over a month before being located following a court order compelling police to produce him. He later recounted enduring harsh conditions, including isolation and food deprivation.
The latest incident adds to growing regional concerns about cross-border repression in East Africa. Several activists and opposition figures have previously reported being detained or abducted under mysterious circumstances while traveling in neighboring countries.
Earlier this year, Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire were reportedly detained in Tanzania and held incommunicado before being abandoned at their respective borders. Both later claimed they were tortured while in custody, allegations which Tanzanian authorities dismissed.
Similarly, veteran Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye disappeared in Nairobi last year and later resurfaced in a Ugandan military court facing treason charges.
Mounting Regional Concern
The repeated disappearances have fueled allegations that some East African governments may be collaborating to suppress dissenting voices. Human rights organizations have called for international attention and regional action to safeguard activists and political opponents across the continent.
As of now, the whereabouts of Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo remain unknown. Ugandan authorities have not provided further updates, and rights groups continue to demand transparency and accountability.
Credit: BBC Africa