Uganda Court Orders Police to Produce Abducted Kenyans Dead or Alive in 7 Days
The High Court in Kampala has directed Ugandan police to produce two missing Kenyan activists, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, within seven days — dead or alive.
Justice Kinobe Issues Habeas Corpus Order
Justice Peter Kinobe of the High Court Civil Division issued the order during a habeas corpus hearing attended by human rights group Freedom Hive Uganda. The two activists have been missing since October 1, when they were reportedly abducted in Kampala while attending a political campaign event.
According to Freedom Hive Uganda, the court stressed the constitutional rights of Njagi and Oyoo, condemning their continued detention without trial. The activists are suspected to be held at a military detention facility in Mbuya, Kampala.
Kenyan Activists Missing for Two Weeks
Njagi and Oyoo were allegedly arrested in Uganda’s Kaliro District while meeting members of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), led by presidential candidate Bobi Wine. Their disappearance has drawn widespread condemnation from regional human rights defenders.
Ugandan advocates filed a habeas corpus application on October 6, urging the court to compel the state to reveal the activists’ whereabouts. Under Ugandan law, individuals must be presented before a court within 48 hours of arrest, a rule that authorities have failed to observe in this case.
Police Deny Involvement in the Abduction
The Uganda National Police (UNP) has denied any involvement in the alleged abduction. During a State of Security briefing, UNP spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke said there was no official record of the two Kenyans being in police custody.
“If I had any information on their whereabouts, I would present it here without reservation,” Rusoke stated, adding that investigations were ongoing to establish the facts.
