Diplomatic Tension Rises as Kenya Writes to Uganda Over Missing Activists
Kenya’s High Commission in Kampala has written to Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressing concern over the reported abduction of two Kenyan human rights activists, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, in Kampala.
In a letter dated October 1, the Kenyan mission said the two were allegedly taken by armed individuals near Kireka on Wednesday. The letter asked Uganda to urgently establish the whereabouts of the missing men and return them safely.
“In light of the above and to address the concerns of the two Kenyan nationals’ families, the Mission requests the Ministry to liaise with the relevant authorities in Kampala to get information on the situation of the two Kenyans,” the letter stated.
The statement also urged swift cooperation between the two governments to release Njagi and Oyoo who went missing while participating in political activities with Uganda’s opposition leader, Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
Bobi Wine posted on social media on Thursday saying the abduction was “mafia-style”.
“We condemn in strongest terms the abduction of Kenyan activists and human rights defenders Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo. They were picked up in broad daylight from a petrol station in Kireka and driven off to an unknown destination,” Wine wrote.
The NUP leader accused the Ugandan authorities of orchestrating the abductions, saying the activists were targeted for associating with his opposition movement.
“This criminal regime abducted them simply for standing with us and expressing solidarity with our cause. We demand their immediate and unconditional release,” he added.
Reports indicate Njagi and Oyoo arrived in Uganda on September 29 and were part of Bobi Wine’s campaign trail ahead of the 2026 general elections. They were last seen in Buyende and Kamuli districts during rallies on September 30.
Witnesses told local media that the activists were taken after their vehicle broke down at a Kireka fuel station where four armed men surrounded them and forced them into another car. Their phones were switched off soon after, deepening fears over their safety and whereabouts.
The Kenyan government is waiting for feedback from Uganda as families of the missing activists continue to appeal for information and international attention to their case.
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Diplomatic Tension Rises as Kenya Writes to Uganda Over Missing Activists