Stephania Ramage
Kenyan activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo were in military custody in Kampala, according to Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine Their disappearance early October sparked regional outrage, prompting diplomatic efforts from Kenya and advocacy by Vocal Africa and other civil society groups Bobi alleged that their detention was sanctioned by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the head of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) Kai Eli, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
New details suggest that the disappearance of Kenyan activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo was orchestrated under the directive of General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Kenyan activists Nicholas Oyoo (left) and Bob Njagi. Photo: Bobi Wine.
Source: Twitter Njagi and Oyoo went missing in early October after being taken by uniformed personnel in Kampala, Uganda’s capital, with their destination unknown.
Their prolonged absence sparked widespread concern, leading to regional advocacy and demands for their release from human rights defenders across East Africa.
Did Ugandan army detain Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo After 39 days, on November 8, the two were handed over to Kenya’s diplomatic mission in Uganda by local authorities.
Shortly after their release, opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, alleged that the activists had been detained in a military facility on Muhoozi’s orders.
Muhoozi heads the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and is the eldest son of President Yoweri Museveni.
Bobi claimed that the duo confided in him that their detention was sanctioned by Muhoozi, whose men interrogated them for days over their mission in Uganda.
“I have just spoken to them, and they have told me that they were being held by Museveni’s son at Kasenyi military barracks! They were being interrogated about why they came to Uganda and attended our manifesto launch in Jinja!” He went on to accuse the Museveni administration of abusing state power and targeting dissenting voices.
Bobi also criticized Uganda’s judiciary, claiming it failed to act on legal petitions filed to locate the missing activists.
“You can imagine after 39 days! The judiciary came out boldly and justified this criminality, instead of pushing the criminal regime to produce them. Like we have said many times, Uganda is under a complete military dictatorship. No wonder this dictatorship is being transplanted in other countries of the region. We all have a duty to free Uganda from this despot, and the rest of East Africa will be free,” he said. Did Kenyan government help in locating Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo? Meanwhile, Vocal Africa, which was among the human rights groups that campaigned for the activists’ release, thanked both the Kenyan and Ugandan governments for their cooperation.
Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing’oei, praised the Kenyan diplomatic team in Kampala for their persistence in locating the activists and promised to issue a detailed update.
Activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo sharing a moment with Kenya’s High Commissioner to Uganda Joash Maangi. Photo: Korir Sing’oei.
Source: Twitter Vocal Africa also used the occasion to call for reinforced human rights protections across East African Community nations.
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi confirmed the activists’ release and commended the Kenyan diplomats for their efforts.
He urged Kenyans abroad to remain vigilant and maintain regular contact with embassies and consulates for timely support.
How Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo disappeared As earlier reported, Njagi and Oyoo were captured in Kampala while attending a political rally organised by Bobi, who seeks the presidency in Uganda’s general election early 2026.
Eyewitnesses reported that the two were seized by armed individuals at a petrol station in the Ugandan capital.
Subsequently, human rights advocate Mwanase Ahmed claimed they were being detained at Mbuya military barracks, a site known for past incidents of torture and unlawful detention.
Mwanase raised alarm over Njagi and Oyoo’s deteriorating condition, citing troubling accounts of abuse and urging immediate medical intervention.
Despite her concerns, the Ugandan authorities still detained them while insisting they did not have them in their custody.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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