Agather Atuhaire, a Ugandan activist, has accused Tanzanian authorities of rape and torture during her detention. Her allegations have ignited calls for a thorough investigation into her treatment and that of fellow activist Boniface Mwangi.
Ugandan Activist Claims Sexual Assault During Tanzanian Detention
Ugandan Activist Claims Sexual Assault During Tanzanian Detention
Agather Atuhaire alleges severe maltreatment while held in Tanzanian custody amid political unrest.
An alarming revelation emerged from Tanzania as Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire shared her traumatic experiences during her recent detention by Tanzanian authorities. In a candid interview, Atuhaire claimed she was raped and severely abused while held incommunicado. Her shocking remarks came after she and fellow Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi were arrested amid their attempts to support opposition leader Tundu Lissu in court.
Referring to the incident, Atuhaire described being blindfolded, violently stripped, and assaulted while others inflicted physical pain and psychological terror. "The pain was too much," she recounted, exhibiting a scar where she was handcuffed. She stated, "I was screaming so hard they had to cover my mouth." Alongside her distressing experience, Atuhaire corroborated that Mwangi had also been subjected to threats of serious violence, including potential circumcision.
Mwangi, who shared his experience via social media, stated they were both subjected to torture and humiliation, further highlighting the challenging circumstances they faced while trying to engage in human rights activities. Their detention sparked widespread concern, fueling protests from civil society across Kenya demanding their immediate release.
The issues surrounding their arrests have drawn attention from regional rights groups and the US Department of State, which expressed deep concerns regarding the activists' treatment. They have called for an immediate investigation and accountability for any human rights violations that occurred during their detention.
Atuhaire was reportedly located at the border after days of being held, with her family expressing relief at her safe return. Her experiences and the ongoing political climate in the region serve as reminders of the critical examination required regarding human rights in Tanzania and East Africa as a whole.
Referring to the incident, Atuhaire described being blindfolded, violently stripped, and assaulted while others inflicted physical pain and psychological terror. "The pain was too much," she recounted, exhibiting a scar where she was handcuffed. She stated, "I was screaming so hard they had to cover my mouth." Alongside her distressing experience, Atuhaire corroborated that Mwangi had also been subjected to threats of serious violence, including potential circumcision.
Mwangi, who shared his experience via social media, stated they were both subjected to torture and humiliation, further highlighting the challenging circumstances they faced while trying to engage in human rights activities. Their detention sparked widespread concern, fueling protests from civil society across Kenya demanding their immediate release.
The issues surrounding their arrests have drawn attention from regional rights groups and the US Department of State, which expressed deep concerns regarding the activists' treatment. They have called for an immediate investigation and accountability for any human rights violations that occurred during their detention.
Atuhaire was reportedly located at the border after days of being held, with her family expressing relief at her safe return. Her experiences and the ongoing political climate in the region serve as reminders of the critical examination required regarding human rights in Tanzania and East Africa as a whole.
