Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi has been released following his detention in Tanzania, but growing concerns surround the fate of Ugandan journalist and human rights advocate Agather Atuhaire, who was arrested alongside him.
Mwangi was deported by road from Dar es Salaam and later found in Ukunda, Kenya, in a severely weakened state. His family is arranging urgent medical care in Nairobi. Witnesses say he showed signs of physical distress, raising questions about the treatment he may have endured in custody.
Agather Atuhaire, however, remains missing. She was last seen on May 19th in the custody of plainclothes Tanzanian officers after arriving in Dar es Salaam to attend the court session of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. While initial reports suggested both activists were deported, Ugandan authorities have confirmed that Atuhaire remains detained without charges or legal access.
Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Col. (Rtd) Fred Mwesigye, has formally requested to visit her and receive clarity on her condition. Civil society groups across East Africa have condemned her detention, with Kenya’s Police Reforms Working Group calling it an “enforced disappearance” and a serious breach of human rights and regional law.
Activists are demanding her immediate release and transparency from Tanzanian authorities, who have yet to provide any explanation regarding her status.
