Ugandan Agather Atuhaire and Kenyan Boniface Mwangi have found their path crossed after both were allegedly abducted, taken to the police station in Dar-es-Salaam before being handed over to the Political thugs.
The thugs allegedly blindfolded them, and took them to solitary rooms where they stripped them naked, tortured them while each hearing the cries of mercy of the other despite blurred gospel music played to muffle their cries.
This article chronicles allegations of extrajudicial violence and murder levelled against security forces since the days of president Magufuli was in power till now.
Hussein Bashe lodged a complaint in Parliament that his life was in danger.
Hussein Bashe, as a Member of Parliament (MP) from the ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), played a significant role in exposing alleged abductions by security forces and demanding parliamentary action. Here are the key details:
1. Public Accusations in Parliament.
– During parliamentary sessions in April 2017, Bashe openly accused a group within the Tanzania Intelligence and Security Service (TISS) of orchestrating abductions and disappearances of citizens critical of the government. He emphasized that such actions fell outside TISS’s legal mandate.
– He cited the Security Services Act (Section 5(2)), which prohibits TISS from surveilling or detaining individuals engaged in lawful dissent.
2. Personal Experience and Emotional Appeal.
– Bashe revealed he was a victim himself, stating: “I am one of the people who have experienced arrest by TISS officers. I was humiliated“. He challenged parliamentary leadership to address the issue urgently, declaring, “You can kick me out if you wish.”
– He referenced high-profile cases, including:
– The abduction of opposition figure Ben Saanane.
– The kidnapping of rapper Roma Mkatoliki and his torture by unidentified armed men.
3. Demand for Parliamentary Debate.
– Bashe and opposition MPs (e.g., Zitto Kabwe) pushed for Parliament to suspend its agenda to prioritize debating the abductions. They requested an independent investigation and the resignation of Interior Minister Mwigulu Nchemba for inaction.
– Their efforts were initially blocked by Deputy Speaker Tulia Ackson, who cited procedural rules, but Bashe continued to pressure the government.
4. Government Response.
– Interior Minister Nchemba avoided commenting, claiming investigations were ongoing. The CCM chief whip, Jenista Mhagama, dismissed the allegations and instructed MPs to “submit evidence” rather than debate publicly.
– The National Human Rights Commission corroborated Bashe’s concerns, calling the abductions “shocking” and “a shame to Tanzania”.
5. Political Context.
– As a CCM member, Bashe’s criticism highlighted internal party divisions. His stance aligned with other ruling-party MPs (e.g., Ridhiwani Kikwete) who condemned the government’s silence.
– The abductions were linked to efforts to suppress dissent under President Magufuli’s administration, with TISS accused of operating as a partisan tool of the ruling party.
Outcome:
Despite Bashe’s advocacy, no independent investigation was established, and abductions continued. His actions underscored the tension between security forces and democratic accountability in Tanzania, with TISS’s politicization remaining unresolved.
What are the Agather Atuhaire and Boniface Mwangi allegations?
Based on the allegations by Agather Atuhaire and Boniface Mwangi, and the available evidence, here is a comprehensive analysis of the situation:
1. Nature of the Allegations.
– Sexual Torture and Assault:
Both activists provided graphic accounts of being stripped, blindfolded, beaten, and subjected to sexual violence while detained by Tanzanian security forces. Mwangi described objects being inserted into his anus while interrogators forced him to say “Asante Samia” (Thank you, President Samia) . Atuhaire reported being raped, tied up, and gagged during her detention.
– Psychological Torture:
Both were threatened with leaked footage of the assaults and feared execution during blindfolded transfers.
– Physical Injuries:
Mwangi exhibited broken toes, fractures, and wounds on his feet and genitals; Atuhaire showed scars from handcuffs.
2. Tanzanian Government’s Response.
– Official Denial and Dismissal:
Authorities initially ignored requests for comment. Dar es Salaam’s police chief later dismissed the claims as “hearsay,” challenging the activists to file formal complaints.
During an interview with a journalist, Kamanda wa Kanda Maalumu, Jumanne Muliro, advised the alleged victims to lodge an official complaint that his office can fully investigate and take appropriate actions.
– Political Context:
President Samia Suluhu Hassan had publicly warned against “foreign interference” on the day of their arrest, framing activists as threats to national stability. Her government has intensified repression ahead of October 2025 elections, including banning opposition parties.
3. International and Regional Reactions.
– U.S. State Department:
Demanded an immediate investigation, noting Atuhaire’s 2024 International Women of Courage Award.
– Amnesty International:
Condemned the “unimaginable cruelty” and linked the abuse to Tanzania’s broader crackdown on dissent.
– East African Civil Society:
Former Kenyan Chief Justice Willy Mutunga led calls for sanctions against Presidents Samia (Tanzania), Ruto (Kenya), and Museveni (Uganda) for enabling human rights abuses.
4. Credibility of the Claims.
– Corroborating Evidence:
– Consistent testimonies from both activists, despite being held separately.
– Medical documentation of injuries.
– Prior incidents: Tanzanian police allegedly sexually assaulted Lissu’s supporters in April 2025.
– Motive:
The activists were targeted for coming to observe the treason trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu, which aligns with Tanzania’s pattern of silencing critics. Their actions weren’t criminal acts under Tanzania laws.
5. Legal and Human Rights Implications.
– Violations:
The acts breach Tanzania’s constitution, the UN Convention Against Torture (which Tanzania hasn’t ratified), and African human rights treaties.
– Accountability Demands:
– Prosecution of perpetrators identified by the activists (e.g., Faustine Mafwele). Curiously, Sativa too had adversely mentioned Afande Mafwele being a linchpin of his abduction, torture and an assassination attempt before being dumped in Katavi National Park. No investigation has ever been conducted over Sativa’s allegations!
– Independent investigations by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
💡 6. Broader Significance.
– Erosion of Regional Democracy:
The incident reflects escalating authoritarianism in East Africa, with cross-border repression enabled by silent regional bodies like the EAC and AU. Weirdly, both Uganda and Kenyan government’s refused to condemn the illegal acts and where applicable deployed them to cleanse their own lawlessness.
The Speaker of Kenya Parliament, Moses Wetangula, blamed the activists for what befall them. Kenyan Chief cabinet Secretary, Wycliffe Mudavadi compared Kenyan democracy as superior in the region, and cautioned activists to respect laws of other countries.
The activists have vowed to sue all three EAC governments for perpetuation of crimes against humanity.
– Use of Sexual Violence as a Weapon:
Highlights a tactic to humiliate and silence dissent, with gendered impacts on female activists like Atuhaire.
Key Events Timeline.
| No. | Date. | Event |
| 1.0 | May 18, 2025. | Activists arrive in Dar es Salaam to observe Tundu Lissu’s trial. |
| 2.0 | May 19. | Arrested at hotel; President Samia issues warning against “foreign interference.” |
| 3.0 | May 19-22 | Detained, tortured incommunicado. |
| 4.0 | May 22-23. | Dumped at Kenyan/Ugandan borders with minor cash for transport. |
| 5.0 | June 2. | Press conference detailing assaults; international outcry begins. |
Key Takeaways.
The allegations are highly credible given corroborating evidence, Tanzania’s documented repression, and the activists’ reputations. The lack of government investigation, coupled with President Samia’s inflammatory rhetoric, signals state complicity. This case exemplifies the weaponization of sexual violence to intimidate dissent across East Africa. Urgent international pressure—including targeted sanctions and independent inquiries—is essential to uphold human rights and end impunity.
Read more analysis by Rutashubanyuma Nestory
