The United States has expressed deep concern over the reported mistreatment of two prominent East African activists, Agather Atuhaire of Uganda and Boniface Mwangi of Kenya while in Tanzanian custody.
The pair were allegedly arrested, tortured, and abandoned at border points after traveling to Tanzania in solidarity with opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is currently facing treason charges.
Atuhaire and Mwangi were detained on Monday, May 19, 2025, by Tanzanian immigration and police officers at the Serena Hotel in Dar es Salaam.
They were held for four days without anyone hearing from them during which they were allegedly beaten, tortured, and stripped naked by individuals believed to be members of the Tanzanian military. Their ordeal ended with both activists being dumped at separate border crossings: Mwangi was found in Kenya, and Atuhaire in Uganda.
On Saturday, May 24, 2025, the U.S. Bureau of African Affairs released a statement on social media platform X, expressing alarm at the reports.
“The United States is deeply concerned by reports of the mistreatment in Tanzania of two East African activists; Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire and Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi,” the statement read. “Atuhaire was recognized in 2024 as an International Woman of Courage Awardee.”
Atuhaire received the U.S. State Department’s International Women of Courage Award (IWOC) in March 2024 during a ceremony held at the White House, honoring her fearless advocacy for human rights and freedom of expression in Uganda.
The U.S. government has called for an “immediate and full investigation” into the activists’ detention and alleged abuse.
“We urge all countries in the region to hold to account those responsible for violating human rights, including acts of torture,” the statement concluded.
Amnesty International has also condemned the incident, describing the activists’ treatment as “unimaginable cruelty.” The human rights watchdog expressed deep concern over Tanzania’s growing crackdown on peaceful dissent, particularly as the country gears up for presidential and parliamentary elections in October 2025.
In response to international criticism, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan defended her government’s actions, dismissing concerns as foreign interference. She instructed security agencies not to tolerate “ill-mannered individuals” from outside the country, a statement widely seen as a rebuke of the activists and their supporters.
“Tanzania is a sovereign nation, and we will not allow anyone foreign or local to undermine our peace and stability under the guise of activism or human rights,” President Samia declared. “Our security organs must deal firmly with those who cross the line.”
However, human rights organizations argue that the presence of international observers, including activists, is crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability in politically sensitive trials. They say the government’s response sends a chilling message aimed at curbing freedom of expression and association.
The mistreatment of Atuhaire and Mwangi has sparked outrage across East Africa and beyond, with growing calls for justice and accountability. Both the United States and international rights groups continue to demand a credible investigation into the case, insisting that those responsible for the abuses be brought to justice.
