Log In

Agather Atuhaire still missing despite deportation reports | Pulse Uganda

Published 2 days ago3 minute read

Ugandan human rights activist Agather Atuhaire remains missing despite earlier reports that she was deported from Tanzania.

Online campaigns have begun demanding her release.

Day II and @AAgather and @bonifacemwangi are now OFFICIALLY MISSING!@tanpol and @SuluhuSamia #FreeAgatherAtuhaire and #FreeBonifaceMwangi pic.twitter.com/lupwsJpkCq

— TOKO (@GodwinTOKO) May 21, 2025

Atuhaire was taken alongside Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi. Both were reportedly held at the Central Police Station in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Recommended For You
DomesticBusiness
2025-05-20T15:23:05+00:00
Dr Ruth Kasolo, the Grow Project Coordinator, clarifies that the project is deliberately selective, focusing on women who have already established themselves in business

Dr Ruth Kasolo

DomesticBusiness
2025-05-19T12:43:46+00:00
The event is scheduled to take place from May 21st to 24th, 2025, at the newly expanded Speke Resort Convention Centre in Munyonyo

POATE 2025 performance line up

Lifestyle
2025-05-20T13:37:09+00:00
Dr. Mugwenu, a prominent traditional herbalist and spiritual healer, embodies this principle through his practices, which prioritize harmony with the environment.

This philosophy reflects a broader understanding of stewardship over nature, urging individuals to act responsibly in their interactions with the environment.

The two were arrested earlier this week under unclear circumstances while attending the trial of Tanzanian opposition politician Tundu Lissu. Mwangi faced threats of a three-year prison sentence on immigration charges after refusing to leave his hotel room during a 2:00 a.m. raid by armed officers.

— Agora Discourse (@AgoraCFR) May 21, 2025

Although reports on Tuesday said the activists had been released, civil society groups say they have not confirmed their safe return or departure from Tanzania.

On Wednesday morning, Agora, a Kampala-based civil liberties group led by Atuhaire, voiced concern over their continued disappearance.

“As of this morning, our colleagues @AAgather and @bonifacemwangi are still missing. We continue demanding their immediate release by @SuluhuSamia as they were last seen in Tanzania,” the statement said.

Activists in Uganda report that all communication with Atuhaire and Mwangi has stopped.

“There is no official information from Tanzanian authorities about their whereabouts. They have not boarded any flight and cannot be reached in any way,” said activist Spire Ssentongo.

This incident has raised fresh concerns about Tanzania’s treatment of critics and the shrinking space for civic freedoms under President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government.

The arrests came amid the ongoing trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who faces sedition charges for publicly criticising the government. His legal team has challenged the heavy security at court and the state’s attempts to hold parts of the trial virtually.

Urgent update: It’s now day 2 that Suluhu still has our friends, and comrades @bonifacemwangi and @AAgather detained in the hands of her terroristic police department.

Fake news is flying that Boniface and Agather have been deported. They have not. They are not on any flight… pic.twitter.com/NR72oibedC

— Mwanase Ahmed (@upendomoja) May 20, 2025

As regional interest and the presence of foreign observers increased, President Samia warned against what she called “foreign interference” in Tanzania’s affairs.

“We shall not allow outsiders to meddle in the governance of our country,” she said, a message widely seen as directed at regional and international civil society.

Just days before, Kenyan opposition leader Martha Karua and two lawyers were refused entry into Tanzania. They had travelled to attend events linked to the East Africa Law Society, which is closely monitoring the Lissu trial.

Human rights and legal groups across East Africa are calling for urgent diplomatic action and accountability. They warn Tanzania’s actions breach East African Community (EAC) protocols on free movement and the right to civic participation.

Origin:
publisher logo
pulse
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...

You may also like...