Two Kenyan activists who went missing in Uganda over a month ago have been found alive, according to human rights groups in Nairobi.
Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo vanished after participating in a political event in Uganda in support of opposition leader Bobi Wine. Witnesses reported that they were taken away by masked men dressed in uniform shortly after the event ended.
On Saturday, the advocacy organisation Vocal Africa confirmed that both activists were safe and were being transported from the Ugandan side of the Busia border back into Kenya. The organisation described the development as a strong reminder that the rights of citizens in East Africa must be respected, regardless of borders.
Ugandan police previously denied having the two men in custody, while Kenyan lawyers and human rights groups continued to pressure authorities to secure their release.
In a joint statement, Vocal Africa, Amnesty International and the Law Society of Kenya thanked everyone who played a role in pushing for the activists’ return, including diplomats, journalists and concerned campaigners.
Bobi Wine, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, is preparing to run in Uganda’s upcoming presidential election against longtime President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986. Wine accused Ugandan authorities of targeting Njagi and Oyoo simply because they supported his political activities.
For years, Uganda’s security agencies have faced accusations of detaining opposition supporters in secret operations. Some of those arrested later reappear in court facing different charges.
Njagi’s case is not his first experience with abduction. Last year, he was forcibly taken in Kenya during a series of disappearances believed to be targeting government critics. He later recounted being isolated and denied food while held captive.
Earlier this year, another Kenyan activist, Boniface Mwangi, and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire were detained in Tanzania, held without communication and later abandoned at their borders. Both later alleged harsh mistreatment, though Tanzanian police dismissed the claims.
Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye also disappeared in Nairobi last year but reappeared before a military court in Uganda where he now faces treason charges.
These recurring episodes have intensified fears that governments across East Africa may be working together to silence political dissent beyond their borders.
