Museveni has Confirmed the Arrest of Kenyan Activists Njagi and Oyoo, Calls Them ‘Experts in Riots’

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has confirmed the arrest of two Kenyan activists, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, describing them as “experts in riots” allegedly working with opposition groups to destabilize Uganda.

The two activists disappeared on October 1, 2025, in Kira Municipality, Kampala, after reportedly traveling to Uganda to attend a civil society event linked to opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine. Their disappearance sparked widespread concern in both Kenya and Uganda, with rights groups accusing Ugandan security forces of abduction.

Speaking during a weekend radio interview, President Museveni acknowledged that Ugandan security agencies had indeed detained the two Kenyans, claiming they were involved in efforts to “cause chaos.”

“We have very good intelligence. We know them. We have got two Kenyans whom we arrested — they were working with Kyagulanyi’s group. They are experts in riots,” Museveni said.



Museveni went on to accuse unnamed foreign actors of funding activities meant to disrupt Uganda’s stability, adding that such interference was driven by envy of the country’s growing industries and upcoming oil production.

“They are worried about Uganda because we are moving forward — industries are growing, and our oil is coming,” he added.



Harsh Detention Conditions Reported

After their release, Njagi and Oyoo told journalists that they had been held incommunicado at a military facility in Entebbe and subjected to torture and starvation.

“I didn’t eat for 14 days. We were beaten and threatened,” Njagi said after arriving back in Nairobi.



Initially, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) denied holding the two Kenyans, but their eventual release through diplomatic channels confirmed they had been in state custody. Uganda’s military later claimed the arrests were “necessary for national security.”

Diplomatic Pressure from Kenya

Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, confirmed that the activists were released following “sustained diplomatic engagement” between the two governments.

“Our mission in Kampala has been in constant contact with Ugandan authorities to ensure the safety of our citizens,” Mudavadi said in a statement.



Their release came after mounting public and diplomatic pressure, including appeals from human rights organizations in both countries.

Regional and Political Impact

The incident has highlighted the tense relations between Uganda’s government and regional activists who have frequently accused Kampala of suppressing dissent. Analysts warn that the arrest of foreign activists could strain relations between Kenya and Uganda if not handled diplomatically.

Rights organizations have also urged East African leaders to uphold the rule of law and protect cross-border civil society cooperation.

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