Bobi Wine Reveals Why Kenyan Activists Were 'Abducted' in Uganda

Uganda opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has broken his silence on the abduction of two Kenyan human rights activists in Kampala, stating they were targeted simply for associating with him and supporting his political cause.

In a statement shared on his social media platforms, the activist revealed that armed operatives seized Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo in what he described as a "mafia-style" abduction on Wednesday afternoon.

"We strongly condemn the abduction by armed operatives of Kenyan activists and human rights defenders Bob Nyagi and Nicholas Ayoo," Bobi Wine stated. "The two were picked up mafia-style this afternoon from a petrol station in Kireka and driven off to an unknown destination!"

The National Unity Platform (NUP) leader accused the Ugandan government of orchestrating the kidnapping, claiming the activists were targeted due to their solidarity with his opposition movement.

"We condemn the continuing lawlessness by the rogue regime and demand that these brothers be released unconditionally! The criminal regime apparently abducted them simply for associating with me and expressing solidarity with our cause!" he added.

The incident occurred while the two Kenyans accompanied Wine during his campaign activities ahead of Uganda's 2026 presidential elections.

The activists traveled to Uganda on September 29 and were spotted alongside Wine and other NUP officials during campaign rallies in the Buyende and Kamuli districts on September 30.

According to reports, trouble began when their vehicle developed mechanical problems, forcing them to stop at a fuel station in Kireka for repairs.

Witnesses say four armed men surrounded them before forcibly bundling them into a waiting vehicle. Their mobile phones were switched off immediately after the abduction, heightening concerns about their safety.

Meanwhile, Kenyan civil society organizations have mobilized diplomatic efforts to secure the activists' release.

Hussein Khalid, representing VOCAL Africa, confirmed that Kenya's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been notified and is coordinating with the Kenyan Embassy in Uganda.

"As part of our efforts to stand in solidarity with comrades Bob Njagi and Nick Oyoo, we at VOCAL Africa have been in touch with Kenya's Foreign Office, who have confirmed they are informed about the abduction," Khalid posted on social media. "They are following up with Kenya's Embassy in Uganda. VOCAL Africa is also in contact with our civil society partners in Uganda, who are equally following up to establish the whereabouts of the two."

The abduction has sparked outrage among human rights defenders in East Africa, with many calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the two activists.