Ugandan journalist and human rights lawyer Agather Atuhaire was found safe after being held incommunicado for several days by Tanzanian authorities. Her organization, Agora Discourse, confirmed the development on Friday morning.
Godwin Toko, deputy team leader at Agora, said he spoke with her via her sister’s phone. “Finally, Agather Atuhaire is safe and I just talked to her,” Toko wrote on X.
He said she was dropped at the border, though the exact location was not immediately disclosed. Uganda’s key crossing with Tanzania is at Mutukula in Kyotera District.
Agora Confirms Agather Atuhaire’s Safety and Return
Agora Discourse plans to release more details later in the day. “We thank all who supported us in finding Agather Atuhaire safe,” Toko added.
The journalist had traveled to Dar es Salaam on May 19 to observe court proceedings in the treason trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Less than 24 hours later, plainclothed officers identifying as Tanzanian police detained Atuhaire and Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi at the Serena Hotel.
Detention and Diplomatic Tensions Escalate
Both activists were held without access to legal representation or contact with their families. For days, Agather Atuhaire’s safety remained uncertain, sparking concern from rights organizations and fellow journalists.
Agora submitted a formal appeal, signed by Toko and Atuhaire’s sister, Annex Atukunda, reporting that attempts to contact her had failed.
In response, Uganda’s High Commission in Tanzania asked Dar es Salaam police for access and clarification. However, delays in Uganda’s response drew criticism, especially after Mwangi’s release was secured through pressure from Kenya.
Tanzania Warns Against ‘Foreign Meddling’
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu issued a thinly veiled warning to foreign activists, saying: “If they have been contained in their country, let them not come here to meddle.”
Without naming names, she indicated that Tanzania would not tolerate what she viewed as interference. This followed the detention and deportation of former Kenyan Justice Minister Martha Karua.
Activists Released at the Border
Though early reports suggested both activists had been released earlier in the week, confusion ensued when neither could be located. It later emerged that Tanzanian authorities had blocked them from boarding a flight, reportedly seeking to inspect their phones. Sources indicated the phones had already been passed to associates during the arrests.
Agather Atuhaire was found safe following what appears to be a border release, mirroring Mwangi’s experience. Although Agora has not confirmed her exact location, Toko’s statement indicates she is now back in Uganda.
Agora to Share More on Agather Atuhaire’s Case
The circumstances surrounding the arrest and release remain unclear, but Agora says more details will be made public soon.
For now, relief has spread through Uganda’s activist and media circles that Agather Atuhaire is safe and no longer in Tanzanian custody.