NAIROBI, Kenya – Ugandan activist and journalist Agather Atuhaire has been released after four days in detention by Tanzanian authorities, Agora Discourse Organization confirmed on Friday May 23.
Atuhaire was found abandoned at the Uganda-Tanzania border, bringing an end to a harrowing ordeal that sparked regional outrage and calls for accountability.
“We are relieved to inform the public that she has been found. She was abandoned at the border by Tanzanian authorities,” said a statement from the Agora Centre for Research, where Atuhaire serves as executive director. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who stood in solidarity during this time. Your efforts truly made a difference.”
We are relieved to inform the public that @AAgather has been found. She was abandoned at the border by Tanzanian authorities.Further details will be shared later today.We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who stood in solidarity during this time. Your efforts truly
Atuhaire had travelled to Tanzania earlier this week with a group of activists to attend the trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
She was reportedly detained by security officials on Monday, sparking fears about her safety and the broader targeting of civil society voices in the region.
Her release followed growing pressure from human rights groups, civil society organisations, and online supporters across East Africa.
In a statement, the Resurgence Network for Human Rights condemned what it described as “coordinated abductions and forced disappearances” of activists across the region.
“The case of Agather Atuhaire, who was abandoned at the border by Tanzanian authorities, is yet another chilling reminder of the dangers faced by those who dare to speak truth to power,” the group said. “Dictators must not be allowed to operate with impunity.”
Statement from Resurgence Network for Human RightsWe strongly condemn the ongoing abductions and forced disappearances of activists by dictatorial regimes across East Africa. These oppressive acts—often coordinated across borders—are a blatant violation of international human
Atuhaire, a lawyer by training and a vocal advocate for government accountability, has earned international recognition for her work on corruption, human rights, and democratic reforms in Uganda.
Earlier this year, she was honoured with the International Women of Courage Award by the U.S. Department of State.
Her disappearance — and the silence from Tanzanian authorities about her whereabouts — had triggered fears of cross-border repression targeting activists critical of authoritarian governments.
While the circumstances of her detention remain unclear, Agora said further details would be shared later today.
It is also not yet known whether charges were filed against Atuhaire or the other activists detained alongside her.
As she regains her freedom, attention now turns to the broader implications of her case — and what it says about the shrinking space for dissent across East Africa.
