Kenyan Activists Released After 38-Day Detention in Uganda, Museveni Confirms Arrest

Activists Abducted and Detained

Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, two Kenyan human rights activists, were released between November 7 and 8, 2025, after being held in Uganda for 38 days. The activists were reportedly abducted by armed men on October 1, 2025, shortly after attending a political rally in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, Uganda. They had traveled to Uganda to support opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine, a prominent challenger to President Yoweri Museveni.

Initially, the Ugandan government denied any knowledge of their whereabouts. However, President Yoweri Museveni later confirmed their arrest on November 8 or 9, 2025, during a press briefing.

Museveni's Justification and Detention Conditions

President Museveni justified the detention, stating that Njagi and Oyoo were 'experts in riots' and were working with Bobi Wine's group to destabilize Uganda. He also revealed that they had been held in what he termed 'the fridge,' a phrase believed to refer to a cold, isolated detention facility. The activists, upon their return to Kenya, reported being held in a military facility, specifically identified as Kasenyi Military Barracks in Entebbe, guarded by Ugandan special forces. They described their conditions as 'inhumane' and claimed to have endured torture and starvation, with Bob Njagi stating he fasted for 14 days.

Diplomatic Intervention and Release

The release of Njagi and Oyoo came after 'sustained diplomatic engagement' between Kenya and Uganda. Kenya's Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi confirmed that the two were released to the Kenyan ambassador following weeks of 'open and constructive communication.' Civil society organizations, including Amnesty International and VOCAL Africa, had actively campaigned for their release, raising concerns about cross-border abductions and the suppression of human rights defenders in the region.

Broader Implications

The incident has drawn attention to the broader political climate in East Africa, particularly in Uganda, where President Museveni, 80 years old, is seeking a seventh term in office. Critics suggest that such detentions are part of a pattern of suppressing dissent ahead of the upcoming general election. The case has also highlighted ongoing concerns regarding the safety of activists and the potential for cross-border collaboration among states to curb opposition activities.