Boniface Mwangi from Kenya and Agather Atuhaire from Uganda were reportedly taken by the police in Tanzania. The Tanzanian authorities said they sent them back to their home countries, but nobody knows where they really are, and there is no proof of their deportation.
Lawyers and people who care about human rights have been trying to find them, but they have not been able to locate them, which worries their families and supporters.
The sudden disappearance of three well-known activists has caused concern in Tanzania. Local officials claim they were deported last week.
These activists, who work for human rights, are Aisha Mwamba, Juma Salum, Fatma Idris, and Boniface Mwangi.
They were reportedly taken while peacefully protesting in Dar es Salaam on May 12, 2025, before they were allegedly deported.
The Tanzanian Interior Ministry stated that they were sent back because they “broke public order rules.”
However, their families and friends say they have not heard from the activists since they were taken, which raises fears that something bad has happened to them.
“We’ve looked everywhere—hospitals, police stations, even their houses. There’s no sign of them,” said Halima Yusuph, a fellow activist.
These disappearances happen during a time of rising tension between the Tanzanian government and groups that speak out for people’s rights. Critics say the government is trying to silence those who disagree with it.
The activists had been outspoken against a proposed land reform bill that many believe helps big companies rather than local communities.
Boniface Mwangi’s wife weeps in public as whereabouts of her husband remain unknown three days after arrest in Tanzania pic.twitter.com/BpzRsWl3Vg
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) May 21, 2025
Human Rights Watch has asked for an immediate investigation and wants the government to show proof of where the activists are.
“The lack of information is very worrying. The government must make it clear if these people are safe,” said Sarah Mbwana, a spokesperson for the organization.
