Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has admitted that his government abducted and secretly detained two Kenyan nationals, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, contradicting earlier denials by Ugandan security agencies. The revelation came just a day after the activists were released from custody, sparking widespread outrage across East Africa.
Speaking during a televised interview with UBC TV, Museveni openly acknowledged that the two Kenyans had been held in detention for several weeks. He claimed they were arrested over alleged collaboration with Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) and accused them of being “experts in riots.”
“Here in Uganda, we have our own groups which we monitor; we have very good intelligence,” Museveni stated. “For instance, we arrested two Kenyans I do not remember their names they were working with Kyagulanyi’s group. Of course, with our very good intelligence, we picked them up and they have been in the fridge for some days. Some Kenyan leaders rang me and said I should either put them in jail here or hand them back.”
The president’s admission came after weeks of denials from both the Ugandan police and military, who had repeatedly dismissed claims of involvement in the disappearance of the two activists. The confession has fueled criticism from human rights organisations, accusing the Ugandan government of extrajudicial abductions and cross-border violations.
Njagi and Oyoo were released on Friday night, October 7, and handed over to Kenyan authorities at the Busia border, 38 days after their disappearance near a petrol station outside Kampala. They were first received by the Kenyan High Commission in Uganda, before being escorted back home.
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Saturday, the activists recounted their harrowing ordeal, revealing that they were held at the Kasenyi Military Barracks in Entebbe, where they faced torture, starvation, and isolation. Njagi described the conditions as “dehumanising and traumatic,” while Oyoo added that they were interrogated repeatedly about their alleged links to opposition movements.
Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Dr. Korir Sing’Oei, confirmed their release and said diplomatic engagement between Nairobi and Kampala ensured their safe return. Reports indicate that former President Uhuru Kenyatta played a key role in securing their freedom after personally reaching out to General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Museveni’s son and Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces.
Amnesty International and other advocacy groups have since condemned Uganda’s handling of the incident, warning that such actions undermine regional cooperation and violate international law. The group called for an independent investigation into the detention and treatment of the activists, urging Uganda to uphold human rights and the rule of law.
Museveni’s statement particularly his use of the phrase “kept in the fridge” has drawn sharp criticism from civil society, with many interpreting it as a chilling metaphor for unlawful detention. The revelation has also reignited debate on Uganda’s shrinking democratic space and its recurring pattern of political repression.
As diplomatic discussions continue, analysts warn that the incident could strain Kenya–Uganda relations, especially amid growing concerns over cross-border security cooperation and human rights accountability within the East African region.
