- Uganda’s High Commission in Tanzania said it had officially requested information about Agather Atuhaire’s arrest and asked for permission to visit her in custody
- Ambassador Fred Mwesigye wrote that consular staff hoped to speak with Atuhaire and assess the possibility of securing her release and return to Uganda
- Ugandan officials stated that Atuhaire had travelled to Dar es Salaam for various engagements, including attending opposition leader Tundu Lissu’s court session
- Tanzanian authorities had not yet disclosed the legal basis for the arrest, even as Kenya protested and cited violations of international law
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Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Kampala – The Ugandan government has formally written to Tanzania seeking information over the arrest and detention of renowned journalist and human rights advocate Agather Atuhaire.
Atuhaire, who was apprehended alongside Kenya’s activist Boniface Mwangi in Dar es Salaam.
In a diplomatic letter dated Thursday, May 22, Uganda’s High Commission in Tanzania addressed the Office of the Crime Investigation Department (CID) at the Central Police Station in Dar es Salaam, where Atuhaire is believed to be detained.
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The letter, signed by Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Ambassador Col. (Rtd) Fred Mwesigye, not only requests clarity on the grounds of her arrest but also seeks permission for consular officials to visit her.
Most notably, the communication explicitly asks the Tanzanian authorities to consider releasing Atuhaire and allowing her to return to Uganda.
“This is, therefore, to respectfully request information on the above-mentioned Ugandan national in detention at your facility, as well as permission for the Mission staff to visit and speak with her to ascertain the possibility of her release and return to Uganda. Your kind consideration in this matter will be highly appreciated,” reads the letter in part.
Why was Atuhaire detained
Atuhaire, a well-known voice in East Africa’s civic space, was reportedly in Dar es Salaam for professional engagements when she was arrested.
The circumstances of her apprehension remain unclear, though Tanzanian police have confirmed that both she and Mwangi were taken into custody on undisclosed charges.
“Atuhaire reportedly came to the United Republic of Tanzania on different engagements but was later arrested and detained at the Central Police Station in Dar es Salaam,” continued the letter.
Her detention, alongside Mwangi, a prominent figure in civil rights advocacy in Kenya, drew condemnation across the region.
The incident has further thrown a spotlight on regional collaboration, or the lack thereof, on civil liberties, with critics pointing to a rising pattern of state clampdowns on dissenting voices across East Africa.
Tanzania deports Boniface Mwangi
TUKO.co.ke earlier reported that Mwangi had been deported by road from Tanzania and was later found in Ukunda.
He reportedly received first aid at the scene before being flown to Nairobi for further medical treatment, which sources said was urgently needed.
It was also reported that the Kenyan government had been involved in diplomatic efforts to secure Mwangi’s release after he was detained without explanation by Tanzanian authorities.
Government officials had expressed concern over his sudden disappearance and demanded clarification from their Tanzanian counterparts.
A few days prior to his arrest, Mwangi had shared a video online showing Tanzanian authorities outside his hotel room, allegedly pleading with him to open his window.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
