Activist Agather still missing as Uganda pressures Tanzania for answers

The Ugandan government has formally asked Tanzanian authorities to grant it access to activist Agather Atuhaire, who was arrested alongside Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi.

Atuhaire remains in custody in Dar es Salaam.

In a diplomatic note dated May 22, Uganda’s High Commission in Tanzania expressed concern about the continued detention of Atuhaire and requested to visit her, get clarity on the charges she faces, and explore the possibility of her release and return to Uganda.

"This is, therefore, to request for information on the above-mentioned Ugandan national in detention at your facility and permission for the Mission staff to visit and talk to her, and ascertain the possibility of her release and return to Uganda," Uganda’s High Commissioner Fred Mwesigye said.

Atuhaire, a journalist and governance advocate, was arrested on Monday at the Serena Hotel in Dar es Salaam alongside Mwangi.

The two had travelled to Tanzania to attend a court session involving opposition leader Tundu Lissu.

While Mwangi has since been deported, Atuhaire’s whereabouts remain unknown.

Mwangi was dumped at the Horohoro-Lunga Lunga border and has since returned to Kenya.

He alleges that he was tortured during the four days he was held by Tanzanian security forces.

“Hectic day today, but glad that Boniface Mwangi is alive. He was dumped at the Horohoro-Lunga Lunga border early this morning by Tanzanian security agents. His ordeal is horrifying in how he was viciously tortured by the Tanzanian government. His body is broken, but his spirit remains strong as ever," said Kamanda Mucheke, Deputy Director at the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.

"Agather is still missing and was equally ghastly tortured in the same location as Mwangi. We are making arrangements to transfer Mwangi to Nairobi for medical attention."

The Commission also released a statement saying, "He is in high spirits. The commission and other partners are making arrangements to transfer him to Nairobi for medical attention."

Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs earlier issued a formal protest to Tanzania over Mwangi’s arrest and deportation, accusing Dar es Salaam of denying consular access and breaking diplomatic norms.

"The Ministry notes that, despite several requests, officials of the government of Kenya have been denied consular access and information to Mr Mwangi. The Ministry is also concerned about his health, overall wellbeing, and the absence of information regarding his detention," the letter said.

It added that: "The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs respectfully urges the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to expeditiously and without delay facilitate consular access to or release of Mr. Mwangi, in accordance with international legal obligations and diplomatic norms."

Hussein Khalid, CEO of Vocal Africa, has also urged the Tanzanian government to release Atuhaire immediately while confirming that Mwangi is being attended to in Kenya.