KAMPALA – Two Kenyan human rights defenders have been arrested in Kampala after attending political rallies organised by National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
Both Nicholas Ayoo and Bob Nyagi were arrested by armed security operatives at a fuel filling station in Kireka, east of Kampala, before being whisked away to unknown destination .
The duo had earlier participated in campaign rallies in Eastern Uganda.
In his Wednesday night post on X, a microblogging platform previously known as Twitter , Bobi Wine condemned the move as politically motivated.
“We strongly condemn the arrest of Kenyan activists and human rights defenders Bob Nyagi and Nicholas Ayoo.The two were picked up mafia-style this afternoon from a petrol station in Kireka and driven off to an unknown destination!” he said in a statement.
“ We condemn the continuing lawlessness by the rogue regime and demand that these brothers are released unconditionally !The criminal regime has apparently targeted them simply for associating with me and expressing solidarity with our cause.”
Ugandan authorities have in the past warned regional activists against what they term interference in domestic political matters.
Several activists have previously been arrested and deported after or before taking part in opposition activities in Kampala .
Over the years rights groups have accused Ugandan security agencies of carrying out arbitrary arrests and using deportations to stifle cross-border solidarity with local opposition movements yet the East African Community protocols being touted by regional leaders allows this .
By Thursday morning government was yet to comment on the arrests .