Human rights Activists Agather Atuhaire from Uganda and Boniface Mwangi from Kenya have taken legal action after they were allegedly kidnapped, tortured, and illegally deported from Tanzania in May 2025.
On July 18, 2025, they filed a case at the East African Court of Justice in Arusha, Tanzania. The case was submitted together with seven civil society groups and regional legal organisations. They are asking the court to hold the governments of Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya responsible for the violations.
“We were taken by force, tortured, and then dumped in our home countries without any explanation,” said Boniface Mwangi. “We are not just going to court for ourselves, but to give others courage to speak up and seek justice.”
The complaint states that between May 19 and 23, 2025, the two were abducted from their hotel in Dar es Salaam by unknown individuals. They were taken to police and immigration offices, then moved to a secret location where they were beaten and sexually abused. Later, Agather was abandoned in Uganda, and Boniface in Kenya.
At the time, they were in Tanzania legally to attend the treason trial of opposition leader Hon. Tundu Lissu.
“No one told us why we were arrested or under what law we were being held,” their statement reads.
David Sigano, lawyer and CEO of the East Africa Law Society, said the case raises serious questions about East African values. He said no one should be tortured or deported simply for attending a public court hearing.
The applicants are demanding:
- A public apology from the governments of Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya
- At least UGX 3.8 billion (about USD 1 million) in compensation for each victim
- Medical and psychological support
- Legal and policy reforms to stop similar violations in the future
- A special East African Community (EAC) summit on peace, security, and human rights
Donald Deya, CEO of the Pan African Lawyers Union, said this case is not just about two people. “It’s about protecting human dignity, regional unity, and the rule of law,” he said. “These violations cannot be ignored. We are demanding accountability and justice at the highest regional level.”
The case also accuses the EAC Secretary General of failing to act when the abuse became public. The East African Court of Justice is now expected to hear the case and respond to the demands.
