Ugandan Activist Claims Sexual Assault During Detention in Tanzania

The allegations made by activist Agather Atuhaire, who was held incommunicado in Tanzania, highlight serious human rights concerns, prompting international calls for accountability and investigation into her treatment during detention.

A Ugandan activist, Agather Atuhaire, has reported that she was raped while detained in Tanzania, where she was allegedly held without communication for several days. She provided harrowing details of her experience to the BBC, stating that individuals in plain clothes blindfolded her, stripped her violently, and sexually assaulted her. Atuhaire was arrested alongside Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi, who was discovered near the Kenyan border after facing mistreatment. The Tanzanian authorities have not responded to these allegations.

Human rights organizations and the US Department of State's Bureau of Africa Affairs have voiced deep concern over the treatment of both activists and have called for a thorough investigation. Atuhaire described her suffering in chilling detail, illustrating the physical pain she endured, including a scar from handcuffs and moments of extreme distress. Meanwhile, Mwangi echoed her claims, detailing their experience of torture and intimidation, and revealing that they were physically separated during the ordeal.

The activists had initially crossed into Tanzania to support opposition leader Tundu Lissu, currently facing treason charges. Upon their detention, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan warned against foreign activists disrupting national affairs. Following international scrutiny, Uganda’s high commissioner confirmed Atuhaire's safe return home, while calls for accountability from Tanzania and respect for human rights in the region have intensified.