Museveni Admits Uganda Kidnapped Two Kenyan Activists, Says They Were “Kept in a Fridge”

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has stirred outrage after admitting that his government was behind the abduction of two Kenyan activists who recently regained their freedom.

The activists, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, were released after 38 days in secret detention, ending weeks of public pressure and diplomatic negotiations.

Speaking in an interview with Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC TV), President Museveni confirmed that the two were indeed in government custody despite earlier denials by Ugandan authorities. He justified the operation, claiming the pair were linked to opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine.

“Here in Uganda, we have groups that we constantly monitor. Our intelligence is very strong,” Museveni said. “For example, we arrested two Kenyans, I can’t recall their names. They were working with Kyagulanyi’s team and were experts in organizing riots. So, with our good intelligence network, we picked them up and kept them in the fridge for a few days.”

Museveni added that he later received calls from Kenyan leaders who urged him either to prosecute the men in Uganda or return them to Kenya.

The 38-Day Ordeal

Njagi and Oyoo were handed over to Kenyan authorities at the Busia border on the night of Friday, October 7, following intense negotiations. Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Dr. Korir Sing’Oei, confirmed that the activists were first received by the Kenyan High Commission in Kampala before being repatriated.

Eyewitnesses had reported that the pair was abducted by armed men believed to be Ugandan security operatives at a petrol station near Kampala. Throughout their 38-day disappearance, both the Ugandan police and military repeatedly denied any knowledge of their whereabouts.

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, the two activists recounted their horrifying experience, alleging they were held at Kasenyi Military Barracks in Entebbe, where they endured torture, starvation, and psychological abuse.

Uhuru Kenyatta’s Secret Intervention

According to Amnesty International, the release of Njagi and Oyoo came after high-level diplomatic talks. Among those who intervened was former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, whose personal appeal reportedly played a decisive role.

Jubilee Party’s Deputy Secretary General, Pauline Njoroge, confirmed that Kenyatta contacted Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and President Museveni’s son, to secure the activists’ release.

Human Rights Concerns Mount

Museveni’s public admission has sparked an uproar across East Africa, with human rights groups and civic organizations condemning the abduction as a serious violation of international law.

Activists are demanding accountability and urging both governments to respect human rights and national sovereignty. Critics say the president’s remarks confirm long-standing fears about Uganda’s security forces engaging in extrajudicial operations across borders.

Amnesty International called for an independent investigation into the matter, emphasizing that “no individual should be arbitrarily detained or subjected to torture under any circumstance.”

As the controversy deepens, observers warn that Museveni’s comments could strain relations between Uganda and Kenya while testing the diplomatic balance in East Africa.