Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has publicly acknowledged the arrest of two Kenyan activists, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, who were missing for five weeks. The activists were reportedly abducted by masked uniformed men after attending a political event in support of Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine. Their release was confirmed on Saturday, following weeks of denial by Ugandan authorities. Museveni, in a live interview, referred to the duo as ‘experts in riots’ and claimed they were ‘put in the fridge for some days.’ He attributed their release to pressure from ‘some Kenyan leaders.’ The activists were greeted by supporters upon their return to Nairobi, where Njagi recounted the harrowing 38-day ordeal, stating they feared for their lives. Kenya’s Foreign Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, highlighted the role of sustained diplomatic efforts in securing their freedom. Activist groups, including Vocal Africa, the Law Society of Kenya, and Amnesty International, praised the release as a step toward safeguarding human rights in the East African Community. This incident underscores ongoing concerns about the suppression of dissent in the region, with similar cases of enforced disappearances and detentions reported in recent years. Bobi Wine, Museveni’s political rival, accused the Ugandan government of targeting the activists for their association with him. The case has reignited debates about the collaboration of East African governments in curbing opposition voices.
Uganda president admits Kenyan activists were arrested and held in ‘the fridge’
