The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Amnesty International, and Vocal Africa have issued a joint statement demanding the immediate release and urgent medical attention for Kenyan activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, who were allegedly abducted in Kampala, Uganda, nearly a month ago.
According to the organizations, credible informal sources indicate that the two activists’ health has deteriorated sharply, allegedly due to torture and inhumane treatment while being held in secret detention. The activists have now been detained for more than 25 days without access to legal, medical, or consular assistance.
“Informal sources indicate that the two’s health has begun to deteriorate, probably as a result of torture and inhuman treatment after more than 25 days in detention without access to consular, legal, or medical services,” said Hussein Khalid, Executive Director of Vocal Africa.
The three organizations expressed deep frustration over the inaction by both Ugandan and Kenyan authorities, accusing them of remaining silent as families and supporters continue to demand answers.
Ugandan police and military officials have denied holding the two men, leaving their whereabouts unknown, and heightening fears for their safety.
Rising Pressure from the Public
As part of a growing advocacy campaign, more than 300 Kenyans have reportedly emailed President Yoweri Museveni over the past few days demanding information on the activists’ whereabouts and their immediate release.
“As the campaign continues to roll out internationally, we are calling on more Kenyans, East Africans, and people across the world to demand their release,” said Abner Mango, a lawyer involved in the advocacy efforts.
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders, Mary Lawlor, has also raised formal concerns following the Kenyan government’s failure to respond to inquiries regarding alleged human rights violations during the June 2025 protests.
Global and Regional Advocacy Intensifies
The advocacy groups have now announced plans to petition the National Assembly and the Senate to pressure both governments to act swiftly and ensure the safety of the detained activists.
“We are calling on development partners — including the IMF, World Bank, and African Development Bank — to review their engagement with governments, especially Uganda, that fail to uphold basic human rights,” said Felix Wambua of the Free Kenya Movement.
The incident has reignited regional and international calls for greater accountability and protection of human rights defenders across East Africa. Rights organizations are urging both Kenya and Uganda to adhere to international human rights standards and ensure that all detained persons are treated humanely and given access to legal and medical support.
As the search for truth continues, activists, families, and supporters remain hopeful that justice will prevail, and Njagi and Oyoo will soon regain their freedom.
