Our Torture Ordeal: Nation Reports on Activists’ Detention in Uganda
The Daily Nation on Thursday provided a detailed report on the harrowing ordeal faced by Kenyan activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo while in Uganda.
The publication reveals that the two were detained during a short cross-border visit, which took a dark turn when they ran afoul of Ugandan authorities.
According to the report, Njagi and Oyoo were held in harsh conditions for 38 days. During this period, they were blindfolded, chained to chairs, and subjected to physical beatings, leaving them traumatized.
The activists’ detention came as they attended the launch of the manifesto of Uganda’s opposition leader, Bobi Wine, highlighting the sensitive political environment in the country.
The Nation further quotes President Yoweri Museveni acknowledging the arrests, controversially describing the two as “experts in chaos.”
This statement has sparked concern over the treatment of foreign nationals and human rights defenders in Uganda, raising questions about civil liberties and political freedoms in the region.
The report shows the risks faced by activists operating across borders, particularly in politically charged contexts.
It also serves as a reminder of the growing challenges for civil society actors in East Africa, emphasizing the need for vigilance and advocacy for human rights protections.
The Nation’s coverage brings these issues to the forefront, highlighting the personal cost of activism in the face of oppressive measures.