It now emerges that the disappearance of Kenyan activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo was sanctioned by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Muhoozi is the chief of the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) and the eldest son of President Yoweri Museveni.
Njagi and Oyoo disappeared in Kampala in early October in Uganda's capital, Kampala, and were captured by uniformed men who left with them to an unknown destination.
Since then, their whereabouts remained a mystery, prompting reactions from activists from across East Africa who pushed calls for their release.
The duo would be produced alive 39 days later, on November 8, with the Kenyan mission in Uganda receiving them from the host authorities.
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Hours after the two Kenyans' release, Roberty Kyagulany, alias Bobi Wine, shared that the duo was being held in a military barracks at the instructions of Muhoozi.
Bobi Wine claimed that he had spoken to them, and they revealed that they were being interrogated on their mission in Kampala.
"I have just spoken to them, and they have told me that they were being held by Museveni’s son at Kasenyi military barracks! They were being interrogated about why they came to Uganda and attended our manifesto launch in Jinja!" Bobi Wine said.
The presidential candidate accused Museveni's regime of advancing lawlessness and misusing state powers on those deemed to be dissenters.
Bobi Wine further roped the Ugandan judicial system, blaming it for apparently suppressing efforts to seek justice.
He claimed the judiciary in Kampala did not help in pressuring the regime to produce the two activists despite cases being filed seeking their whereabouts.
"You can imagine after 39 days! The judiciary came out boldly and justified this criminality, instead of pushing the criminal regime to produce them. Like we have said many times, Uganda is under a complete military dictatorship. No wonder this dictatorship is being transplanted in other countries of the region. We all have a duty to FREE UGANDA from this despot, and the rest of East Africa will be free," Bobi Wine said.
Meanwhile, Vocal Africa, the human rights organisation that pushed for the duo's release, expressed gratitude to both the Kenyan and Ugandan governments for their role in securing the activists’ release.
On his part, Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Korir Sing’oei, commended the Nairobi mission in Kampala for their dedication in tracing the missing individuals.
He assured the public that a comprehensive update on the case would be provided.
Vocal Africa seized the opportunity to advocate for stronger human rights protections across East African Community member states.
Kenya's Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi also confirmed the release of Oyoo and Njagi, thanking the Kenyan diplomats in Kampala for their efforts.
Mudavadi called on all Kenyans residing, employed, or travelling outside the country to stay alert and keep in frequent communication with Kenyan embassies and consulates for quick help when the need arises.
