The High Court in Uganda has ordered the Ugandan government to produce missing Kenyan activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo within seven days, whether dead or alive.
The court directive comes two weeks after the duo was reportedly abducted by individuals believed to be security officers in Kampala.
Justice Simon Peter Kinobe issued the order during a habeas corpus hearing filed by two Ugandan human rights lawyers seeking the release or at least accountability of the two Kenyan nationals.
The case has sparked regional concern and reignited debate on cross-border abductions and human rights violations in East Africa.
Despite mounting pressure, the Ugandan Police Force last week denied any involvement, claiming there were no formal reports of the activists’ kidnapping.
Back in Nairobi, prominent political and civil society voices have demanded swift action.
People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua, speaking at a press conference alongside fellow activists, sharply criticized President William Ruto for his silence on the matter.
“The question is, how is one William Ruto the head of the Jumuiya yet he allows his citizens to be mistreated by other Heads of State? It means he is colluding. He is selling us short,” Karua said, referencing the East African Community (Jumuiya ya Afrika Mashariki).
Human rights activist Kelvin Simba echoed Karua’s sentiments, stating: “Kenya and Uganda cannot claim to uphold democracy while engaging in abductions and secret detentions. Silence in the face of injustice is complicity. The time to act is now.”
Frustrated by the lack of progress and official response, activists have announced countrywide demonstrations set for Thursday, October 16, to demand the immediate and unconditional release of Njagi and Oyoo.
“This Thursday, citizens and human rights defenders will take to the streets across the country,” said Simba. “If the governments won’t act, the public will have to act in whatever way they know.”
Karua also called for the resignation of Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei, accusing them of dereliction of duty.
“Why should they continue to draw salaries if they’re not doing the work they are paid to do?” she asked.
The alleged abduction of Njagi and Oyoo follows earlier reports of the unlawful detention and torture of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire in Tanzania, raising concerns over a growing trend of cross-border crackdowns on dissent.
Activists across East Africa are now urging citizens to unite and speak out against such violations.
“This is bigger than Njagi and Oyoo. It’s about the safety of all activists, journalists, and citizens who dare to question authority,” said a representative from the East Africa Human Rights Network.
As the seven-day deadline looms, all eyes are on the Ugandan government and the Kenyan administration’s response to what many are calling a test of its commitment to protecting its citizens beyond borders.
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