Rights Groups demand urgent medical attention, release of abducted activists in Uganda

According to the organizations, credible informal sources indicate that the two activists’ health has deteriorated significantly, reportedly due to torture and inhumane treatment while in detention.

The activists have been held without access to legal, medical, or consular assistance for more than 25 days.

“Informal sources indicate that the two’s health has begun to deteriorate, probably as a result of torture and inhuman treatment after more than 25 days in detention without access to consular, legal or medical services,” said Hussein Khalid, Executive Director of Vocal Africa.

The three organizations expressed frustration over what they described as inaction from both the Ugandan and Kenyan authorities, who have remained silent since the disappearance.

Ugandan military and police officials have denied holding the two men, leaving their whereabouts unknown.

“Over the last three working days, 300 Kenyans have directly emailed President Yoweri Museveni.

As the campaign continues to roll out internationally, we are calling on more Kenyans, East Africans, and people across the world to demand their release,” said Abner Mango, a lawyer involved in the advocacy campaign.

The demand for answers and accountability comes as UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights Defenders, Mary Lawlor, raised formal concerns after the Kenyan government failed to respond to inquiries regarding alleged human rights violations during the June 2025 protests.

In a continued push for action, the advocacy groups have announced plans to petition both the National Assembly and the Senate to intervene and pressure authorities to ensure the safety of Njagi and Oyoo.

“We are calling on development partners — including the IMF, World Bank, and African Development Bank — to review their engagement with governments, especially Uganda, that fail to uphold basic human rights,” said Felix Wambua of the Free Kenya Movement.