Human rights groups in Kenya have confirmed that two activists who disappeared in Uganda five weeks ago are now safe and sound. Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo were reported missing after eyewitnesses observed them being forcibly taken into a car by masked men during a political event where they were supporting Ugandan opposition leader, Bobi Wine.
On Saturday, the activist organization Vocal Africa announced their safe recovery and that they were being transported from Busia in Uganda back to Kenya's capital, Nairobi. In a statement, Vocal Africa expressed hope that this incident would mark a positive shift toward upholding the human rights of East Africans.
Despite Ugandan police denying knowledge of their custody, Kenyan rights groups exerted pressure on Ugandan authorities for their immediate release. Following their recovery, Vocal Africa, along with the Law Society of Kenya and Amnesty International, thanked all those who campaigned tirelessly for their freedom, including government officials, journalists, and citizens.
Bobi Wine, who is gearing up for the presidential elections against long-time President Yoweri Museveni, accused the Ugandan government of targeting the activists for their association with him. This incident is part of a troubling trend where Ugandan security forces have been implicated in the forced disappearances of opposition figures and their supporters.
Previous similar incidents involving political figures have raised concerns about a collaborative effort among East African governments to suppress dissent. Notably, last year, Njagi himself was abducted in Kenya under similar circumstances, re-emerging a month later after a court order, recounting harrowing experiences during his captivity.
Instances of political activists disappearing or being detained under questionable circumstances have prompted widespread condemnation across the region, leading to fears over the deterioration of human rights in East Africa.
