Amnesty International is intensifying pressure on Ugandan authorities to disclose the whereabouts of two Kenyan activists, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Ochieng, who disappeared in Kampala earlier this month. The human rights organization has voiced serious concerns regarding the Ugandan government’s apparent inaction in the case, drawing parallels to the era of Idi Amin and raising questions about the current administration’s commitment to human rights.
Njagi and Ochieng were reportedly last seen in Kampala in early October. Witnesses claim they were apprehended by individuals in official uniforms, leading to suspicions of state involvement. However, both the Ugandan police and military have denied any involvement in their disappearance. Adding to the complexity of the situation is the alleged silence of the Kenyan government, which has been criticized for not taking sufficient diplomatic action to secure the return of its citizens.
Amnesty International’s statement, released on Monday, explicitly condemned the disappearances. “Kenyan citizens Nicholas Ochieng and Bob Njagi were abducted in broad daylight by individuals in official uniform in Kampala, and have since simply vanished,” the statement read. “The Ugandan police and army deny any involvement, and the Kenyan government remains silent.”
The organization further questioned whether Uganda was reverting to the dark days of Idi Amin, whose rule was marked by widespread human rights abuses. “Are we witnessing a return to the horrors of Idi Amin, or do the National Resistance Movement’s promises of 1986 regarding justice and human rights still stand, just three months before the general elections scheduled for January 2026?” Amnesty International asked.
President Yoweri Museveni, who came to power in 1986, initially pledged a more just and equitable society. However, Amnesty International argues that the continued instances of enforced disappearances and the use of violence against unarmed opponents represent a betrayal of that promise and a regression to past practices.
Beyond the immediate concern for Njagi and Ochieng, the case highlights broader concerns about human rights in Uganda. Critics point to a pattern of repression against political opposition and dissent. Many view the disappearance of the two Kenyan activists as another example of the Museveni government’s increasing intolerance of criticism and perceived threats to its power.
The fact that Njagi and Ochieng are believed to be associated with Ugandan opposition figure Bobi Wine further complicates the situation. Wine, a popular musician-turned-politician, has emerged as a significant challenger to Museveni’s long-standing rule. His supporters have frequently faced harassment and intimidation by security forces, and there are fears that Njagi and Ochieng’s disappearance may be linked to their connection to Wine’s political activities.
The perceived inaction of the Kenyan government has also drawn criticism. Human rights organizations and concerned citizens have accused Nairobi of not doing enough to secure the release of Njagi and Ochieng. Critics argue that the Kenyan government should be exerting more diplomatic pressure on Uganda to investigate the disappearances and ensure the safety of its citizens.
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“The Kenyan government has a constitutional obligation to use all possible means to ensure the return of its citizens,” Amnesty International emphasized. The organization has launched several initiatives to pressure Kampala, including urging citizens worldwide to send direct emails to President Museveni through its website and sign an open letter demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the activists.
The disappearance of Njagi and Ochieng comes at a sensitive time for Uganda, as the country prepares for general elections in January 2026. Concerns have already been raised about the fairness and transparency of the electoral process, with opposition parties alleging that they are being unfairly targeted by the government. The disappearance of the Kenyan activists has further fueled these concerns and raised questions about the state of democracy and human rights in Uganda.
The Ugandan government has yet to issue a comprehensive statement addressing the concerns raised by Amnesty International and other human rights organizations. While police and military officials have denied involvement in the disappearance of Njagi and Ochieng, they have not provided any information about the progress of the investigation. This lack of transparency has only served to fuel speculation and increase pressure on the government to take action.
Several international bodies and organizations are now monitoring the situation closely. They are calling on the Ugandan government to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the disappearance of Njagi and Ochieng, to release them immediately if they are being held in custody, and to ensure the safety and protection of all individuals within its borders. The case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing human rights defenders and political activists in Uganda and the need for greater accountability and respect for the rule of law.
The pressure on Uganda will likely intensify in the coming weeks and months, particularly as the general elections draw closer. International observers will be watching closely to see how the government responds to the concerns raised about human rights and the disappearance of the Kenyan activists. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for Uganda’s international reputation and its relationship with its neighbors, including Kenya.
For DZWatch and its Algerian audience, this case provides a crucial lens through which to view the complexities of regional politics and human rights issues in East Africa. It highlights the challenges of promoting democracy and accountability in a region often marked by political instability and authoritarian tendencies. By reporting on cases like this, DZWatch can contribute to a greater understanding of the human rights landscape in Africa and advocate for the protection of vulnerable individuals and communities.
