Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has openly admitted that two Kenyan nationals were detained by his government, contradicting earlier denials from Ugandan authorities. Speaking during an interview with the state-run UBC TV, Museveni confirmed that the men had been held for several weeks, claiming they were working with opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine.
Museveni revealed that the two Kenyans identified as Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo had been “experts in riots” and were allegedly aiding Kyagulanyi’s political movement. “Here in Uganda, we have our own groups, which we monitor; we have very good intelligence,” Museveni stated. “For instance, we arrested two Kenyans; I do not remember their names. They were working with Kyagulanyi’s group; they are experts in riots.”
The President went on to make a startling remark, saying the two had been “in the fridge for some days.” He added, “Some Kenyan leaders called me and said I should either put them in jail here or hand them back.”
His comments come just hours after the two men were released from Ugandan custody following growing public outrage and pressure from human rights organizations. Their detention had sparked a diplomatic stir, with Kenya demanding clarity on their whereabouts after over 30 days of silence from Kampala.
The revelation has drawn widespread criticism from regional leaders and human rights defenders, who accuse Museveni’s administration of violating international laws governing the treatment of foreign nationals.
Analysts warn that the admission could strain Kenya–Uganda relations further, especially amid heightened scrutiny over Uganda’s handling of political dissent.
As of now, both Njagi and Oyoo have returned to Kenya, where they are expected to share details of their ordeal. Meanwhile, Uganda’s opposition has called for an independent investigation into Museveni’s confession, terming it a “blatant admission of state-sanctioned abduction.”
