Govt Writes to Tanzania Over Arrest of Human Rights Lawyer Agather Atuhaire
The Ugandan government has officially demanded an explanation from Tanzanian authorities over the arrest and continued detention of journalist and human rights lawyer Agather Atuhaire. This follows a formal letter from civic NGO Agora Discourse, urging consular intervention.
Atuhaire was arrested on May 19, 2025, less than 24 hours after arriving in Dar es Salaam to join a regional mission monitoring the trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu. Plain-clothed security officers reportedly detained her at her hotel and have since been held without legal access or family contact.
Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Col. (Rtd) Fred Mwesigye, has requested permission to visit Atuhaire and clarification on the charges.
Meanwhile, Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi, arrested alongside Atuhaire, has since been released following pressure from Nairobi. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu defended the crackdown, stating she would not allow foreigners to destabilize her country.
Agora and regional civic groups insist the matter is both humanitarian and diplomatic, calling for Atuhaire’s immediate release.
