Reports: Ugandan Activist Agather Atuhaire Was Sexually Abused

Atuhaire had been missing for several days following her abduction earlier in the week. She was eventually found abandoned at the Mutukula border between Uganda and Tanzania.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
May 23, 2025 - 15:33
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Reports: Ugandan Activist Agather Atuhaire Was Sexually Abused
Ugandan journalist and human rights lawyer Agather Atuhaire. /BUSINESS RADAR

Ugandan journalist and human rights lawyer Agather Atuhaire, who had been detained in Tanzania along with Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi, was located on Friday, May 23 and confirmed to be safe.

Atuhaire had been missing for several days following her abduction earlier in the week. She was eventually found abandoned at the Mutukula border between Uganda and Tanzania.

Mwangi was deported by Tanzanian authorities on Thursday and was later found in Ukunda, Kilifi County. During a press briefing, he revealed that both he and Agather were tortured, and he called for her immediate release.

“We had been tortured, and we were told to strip naked and to go bathe. We couldn't walk and were told to crawl and go wash off the blood,” Mwangi said, adding, “We were handcuffed and blindfolded, so I didn't even see her, but I heard her groaning in pain as they barked orders at us.”

Photo collage of Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire and her Kenyan counterpart, Boniface Mwangi.

He added: “Any attempt to speak to each other during the night we were tortured was met with kicks and insults. We were removed from the torture location in different vehicles.”

Mwangi alleged that the torture was carried out under the direction of a Tanzanian state security officer who trailed them from the Immigration offices to the Central Police Station, before ordering their transfer to a secret location for what was described as “Tanzanian treatment.”

“That man assaulted me in the presence of three lawyers from the Tanganyika Law Society, and identifying him might help us find where Agather is being kept,” he further narrated. “He scared the three lawyers, and they left us at Central Police Station, where we were removed while handcuffed and blindfolded.”

Hussein Khalid, CEO of VOCAL Africa, confirmed Agather’s release but stated that her condition was concerning. He urged authorities to pursue justice for both activists.

Multiple reports have since claimed that Atuhaire was sexually abused by Tanzanian police during her detention, the revelation leading to some civil society groups condemning the inhumane treatment of the Ugandan activist.

"Agather Atuhaire was abandoned at the Mutukula, Tanzania border, physically exhausted, emotionally traumatised and sexually abused during her detention. This is a grave violation of her dignity and rights," Wangu Kanja Foundation stated on its social media handles.

Agather Atuhaire and Boniface Mwangi were arrested in Dar es Salaam on May 19 while attending the treason trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Agather’s family confirmed she was found abandoned at night near the Mutukula border, though the exact details of her release remain unknown. She has not yet issued a public statement.

The arrests have sparked international concern and condemnation, with human rights groups urging respect for the rights of activists. Earlier in the week, President Samia Suluhu cautioned foreign activists against getting involved in Tanzania's domestic affairs.

Agather and Mwangi had travelled to Tanzania to observe Lissu’s trial, which has become a key issue in the debate over political freedoms and human rights in the region. Lissu, a leading opposition figure, is facing treason charges over a speech he delivered in April.

However, the pair were unable to complete their mission after being detained for four days, only gaining their freedom after widespread pressure from Kenyans and fellow activists.

Collage of Boniface Mwangi, President Samia Suluhu and Julius Nyerere International Airport in Tanzania. /VIRAL TEA KE

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