KAMPALA, Uganda — Ugandan journalist and human rights lawyer Agather Atuhaire has been found safe after being detained for several days in Tanzania, her organization announced Thursday.
Atuhaire, team lead at Agora Discourse, was located at the border and is now with her sister, according to Godwin Toko, the deputy team leader at Agora.
Related posts
“Finally, Agather has been found and I have talked to her via her sister’s phone right now,” Toko said. “She was picked from the border.”
Atuhaire’s detention on May 19 in Dar es Salaam had sparked international concern. She and Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi were taken into custody by plain-clothed individuals claiming to be Tanzanian police while observing the treason trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
Anthony Masake, Executive Director of Chapter Four Uganda, had strongly condemned the arrest, stating that “observing proceedings in court to assess their fairness and compliance with legal standards is not a crime.” He had called for Atuhaire’s immediate release and safe return.
Masake also urged the regional and international community to condemn “reprisal attacks against Ms. Atuhaire and other human rights defenders targeted in Tanzania and support calls for accountability.”
Toko expressed gratitude for the efforts that led to Atuhaire’s release. Agora Discourse plans to release more details about her ordeal.
