Interior Ministry Confirms Talks With Uganda on Disappearance of Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo
The Kenyan government has confirmed it is in talks with Ugandan authorities over the disappearance of two Kenyan activists, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, who went missing in Uganda on October 1, 2025.
In a letter to Vocal Africa, Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei said the Ministry of Interior had received communication on the matter and was following up with Ugandan officials to establish the men’s whereabouts.
According to the letter dated October 23, the High Court of Uganda had issued a writ of habeas corpus on October 15, ordering Ugandan authorities to produce the two Kenyans—alive or dead—within seven days. The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) later filed a sworn affidavit denying that the pair were in their custody.
“Investigations have been carried out and searches conducted across all relevant detention facilities, including lock-up registers and custody records,” read part of the affidavit by Col. Kamanda, who said no record of the two Kenyans had been found.
Despite the denial, the court acknowledged the seriousness of the matter. In a ruling delivered on October 23, it dismissed the habeas corpus application but classified the case as one of “missing persons” and directed petitioners to file a report with the Uganda Police Force for investigation.
PS Sing’oei said the court’s powers only applied to cases of proven detention by state agents and that no further action could be taken without evidence. The ministry has since asked for the families’ contact details to enable continued engagement with Ugandan authorities.
Njagi and Oyoo, both activists, went missing after joining opposition leader Bobi Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP) campaigns in Buyende and Kamuli districts. Witnesses said their vehicle broke down in Kireka where armed men abducted them and drove off in another car.
Their disappearance has sparked public outcry in Kenya. Last week, protesters chained themselves outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nairobi, accusing the government of silence and complicity.Human rights groups Vocal Africa and Amnesty International Kenya are demanding President Yoweri Museveni’s government to reveal the activists’ whereabouts and ensure their safety. “Diplomacy has not worked,” Vocal Africa said, now Kenya should take a tougher stand.
As the heat intensifies, both governments are under the spotlight on how the case is being handled and the overall implications for cross-border human rights in East Africa.
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Interior Ministry Confirms Talks With Uganda on Disappearance of Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo