U.S. Demands Full Investigation into Alleged Torture of Uganda’s Agather and Kenya’s Boniface in Tanzania

The United States has expressed deep concern over reports of mistreatment involving two prominent East African activists in Tanzania, calling for an immediate and thorough investigation into allegations of human rights violations.

In a statement released by the U.S. Department of State, Washington condemned the reported abuse of Ugandan journalist and activist Agather Atuhaire and Kenyan human rights defender Boniface Mwangi.

The two were allegedly subjected to mistreatment during a visit to Tanzania, prompting calls for regional accountability and justice. They had gone to attend the trial of Tanzania opposition leader Tundu Lissu.

Atuhaire, who was honored in 2024 by the U.S. State Department with the International Women of Courage Award, is widely recognized for her fearless reporting and advocacy for transparency, press freedom, and accountability in Uganda.

Boniface Mwangi is a well-known activist and photojournalist in Kenya, celebrated for his outspoken criticism of corruption and state violence.

“We call for an immediate and full investigation into the allegations of human rights abuses,” the U.S. statement read. “We urge all countries in the region to hold to account those responsible for violating human rights, including torture.”

In a public statement, Atuhaire recounted a violent and degrading experience at the hands of Tanzanian security operatives. “When I got there, the first order was to take off my clothes. Before I did anything, someone hit me on my back and another violently took off my clothes,” she said.

“They threw me down and handcuffed me. They tried to put a sweater on me, but the injuries on my hands would have been quite severe.”

Atuhaire further detailed disturbing acts of abuse, including beatings on the soles of her feet and what she described as a sexual assault amounting to rape.

“There’s one hitting under my feet so badly, the pain was too much, and another shoving something in my… so that is rape, by all standards,” she stated.

Tanzania has not yet issued an official response to the allegations.