The Kenyan activists
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The High Court in Kampala has directed the Ugandan government to produce two Kenyan human rights activists who allegedly disappeared after taking part in National Unity Platform (NUP) campaign events in eastern Uganda.
Justice Simon Peter Kinobe issued a habeas corpus order requiring the authorities to present Nicholas Oyoo and Bob Njagi—either alive or deceased—before court on October 21, 2025.
The decision follows a petition filed by Kiiza & Mugisha Advocates on behalf of the activists’ families and colleagues. The lawyers allege that the two Kenyans were abducted on October 1, 2025, by armed men dressed in both military and civilian attire, and later detained at the Mbuya military facility in Kampala.
According to affidavits filed before court, a copy of which Habari Daily has seen, the activists have been held incommunicado for more than two weeks without access to legal representation, family members, or officials from the Kenyan High Commission.
One of their colleagues, Koffi Atinda, testified that he saw the duo being bundled into a Toyota Hiace van (commonly called a “drone”) by men believed to be security operatives.
“Since their arrest, no one has been allowed to see or speak to them. Their detention violates their right to liberty and protection from torture,” Atinda said in his sworn statement.
He further described the Mbuya facility as “a notorious centre” where critics of the government are allegedly tortured.
The petitioners argue that as citizens of Kenya and members of the East African Community, Oyoo and Njagi are entitled to freedom of movement and participation in civic activities within the region without intimidation.
NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya also filed an affidavit supporting the case, urging government agencies to reveal the activists’ whereabouts and account for their safety.
The case lists four senior government officials as respondents. These include the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, the, the Inspector General of Police and Uganda’s Attorney General of Uganda, Kiwanuka Kilyowa.
The petitioners contend that detaining the duo beyond the constitutionally mandated 48 hours without being produced in court is unconstitutional and unlawful.
The High Court will hear the matter on October 21, a date that human rights observers say could set a significant precedent for the treatment of foreign activists and cross-border political engagement within the region.
If the state fails to comply, the court could issue contempt proceedings or sanctions against responsible officials.
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