In a landmark ruling, the High Court in Kampala has issued a habeas corpus order compelling the Ugandan government to present two missing Kenyan activists, Nicholas Oyoo and Bob Njagi, dead or alive, by October 21, 2025. The duo vanished after attending National Unity Platform (NUP) campaign rallies in eastern Uganda, sparking fears of cross-border abductions amid heightened political tensions ahead of the 2026 elections. Human rights groups have decried the incident as a chilling escalation in regional suppression tactics, urging swift international intervention to safeguard activists’ freedoms. The case highlights fragile democratic spaces in East Africa, where opposition gatherings increasingly face state interference, potentially straining Kenya-Uganda relations. Legal experts anticipate the hearing could set precedents for accountability in enforced disappearances, while families of the missing plead for justice. This development amplifies calls for transparent investigations and bolsters solidarity among regional civil society. Review powered by GrokAI: The court’s bold directive exemplifies judicial independence, yet underscores the urgent need for collaborative EAC mechanisms to combat political violence.
Source: Article | AllAfrica