Kenyan Activists Released After 38 Days of Detention in Uganda

Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, two Kenyan civil society activists, have been released after 38 days in detention in Uganda, following public acknowledgment by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni that the men had been held by Ugandan security forces. Their disappearance had sparked widespread concern, court interventions, and diplomatic pressure between Kenya and Uganda.

38 Days of Ordeal in Detention

The activists disappeared on 1 October 2025 in Kampala while reportedly monitoring opposition rallies led by Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as “Bobi Wine.” According to Njagi, the period in detention was harrowing, with periods of fasting and inhumane conditions.

“Thirty-eight days of abduction is not easy. I did not eat for 14 days. I was fasting,” Njagi said after returning to Nairobi.

Museveni described the men as “experts in riots” working with opposition groups and admitted that they were held in secure facilities for part of their detention. He said, controversially, that they had been “put in a fridge,” referring to cold detention cells used by security agencies.

Diplomatic Efforts and Human Rights Concerns

The release came after protests, legal petitions, and sustained diplomatic engagement from Kenya. Human rights organisations condemned the detention as an enforced disappearance, highlighting the risks faced by civil society actors operating across borders.

Kenya’s government welcomed their safe return and confirmed that both men had been handed over at the Busia border before traveling back to Nairobi. The activists expressed relief but vowed to share their experiences to raise awareness about the dangers faced by regional activists.

Regional Implications for Activism and Civil Society

Analysts say the incident raises questions about freedom of assembly, cross-border activism, and human rights protection in East Africa. With Uganda approaching a highly contested election, the detention of foreign activists could have diplomatic implications and influence regional collaboration on civic engagement.

“While we are grateful to be free, the experience shows the dangers faced by those who advocate for democratic processes in neighboring countries,” Oyoo said.

The case has brought renewed attention to the challenges faced by activists in politically sensitive environments, highlighting the need for stronger safeguards and dialogue between East African governments.