KAMPALA, Uganda — In a high-stakes legal ruling, a Kampala High Court has directed Ugandan police to present two missing Kenyan activists — Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo — “dead or alive” within seven days, intensifying regional pressure over the cross-border disappearances.
The order, issued by Justice Peter Kinobe, follows a habeas corpus petition filed by Ugandan lawyers seeking the immediate production or release of the pair, who have been detained without being presented in court for 14 days, the petition states.
Njagi and Oyoo reportedly went missing on October 1, 2025, after attending a political campaign meeting at a petrol station in Kaliro District, eastern Uganda. Petitioners contend they were later transferred to Mbuya, a military facility in Kampala, a claim authorities have denied.
In response, the Uganda Police Force (UPF) has denied holding the two Kenyans, stating they are not aware of their whereabouts. ACP Kituuma Rusoke, the police spokesperson, said police had not received any official report of their arrest.
Rusoke told journalists, “I am not briefed by police that we have them in our custody … If I had any information on their whereabouts, I would volunteer it here without any reservation.”
Nonetheless, the court’s directive suggests skepticism over the official narrative, as the legal process now forces clarity on the claims of unlawful detention.
The petition names several high-level officials — including the Chief of Defence Forces, Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, the Inspector General of Police, and the Attorney General — as respondents.
The case also highlights a regional human rights challenge: cross-border abductions of activists raise serious concerns for East African Community sovereignty, human rights norms, and bilateral relations between Uganda and Kenya.
In Kenya, the families of Njagi and Oyoo, along with civil society organisations, have called for diplomatic intervention. They accuse both governments of resting on procedural delays while the activists remain held incommunicado.
What Happens Next
- Seven-day deadline: Ugandan police must produce Njagi and Oyoo in court or face legal consequences under the High Court’s order.
- Court of Appeal: Should the police seek to challenge or delay, the matter may move to the appellate level.
- Diplomatic engagement: Kenya’s foreign affairs agencies are expected to press Kampala for clarity, insisting on the protection of Kenyan nationals abroad.
- Public disclosure & monitoring: Observers, media organisations, and rights groups will closely monitor compliance and the activists’ well-being.
This case presents a critical test of legal accountability and civil liberties in East Africa—a moment that could redefine cross-border human rights enforcement across the region.
