A coalition of human rights lawyers and activists from Uganda and Kenya has announced plans to take legal action against the government of Tanzania, accusing it of violating fundamental rights and freedoms of East African citizens.
The group had traveled to Tanzania to attend a court session involving Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is facing treason charges widely believed to be politically motivated.
Among the delegates were prominent figures including Kenya’s former Justice Minister Martha Karua, Ugandan human rights activist Agather Atuhaire, and Kenyan photojournalist and activist Boniface Mwangi.
Events took a disturbing turn when several members of the delegation were arrested by Tanzanian security operatives. Martha Karua was briefly detained before being deported, while Atuhaire and Mwangi were reportedly held incommunicado for days.
Events took a disturbing turn when several members of the delegation were arrested by Tanzanian security operatives. Martha Karua was briefly detained before being deported, while Atuhaire and Mwangi were reportedly held incommunicado for days.
According to sources, they were tortured during detention and later dumped near the borders of Uganda and Kenya, respectively.
The arrests have triggered regional outrage, with widespread condemnation from civil society, political observers, and international human rights organizations.
The arrests have triggered regional outrage, with widespread condemnation from civil society, political observers, and international human rights organizations.
Many accused the Tanzanian government of orchestrating a campaign of intimidation and suppression against foreign voices of solidarity.
On Saturday, lawyer Kato Tumusiime, who was part of the Ugandan delegation, recounted the harrowing experience during a press conference in Kampala.
On Saturday, lawyer Kato Tumusiime, who was part of the Ugandan delegation, recounted the harrowing experience during a press conference in Kampala.
He said that the delegation, which included about 20 members from Uganda and Kenya, had just returned to Serena Hotel in Dar es Salaam after attending Lissu’s court session when plainclothes security agents approached them.
“We were having lunch when several men in plain clothes came directly to our table and demanded to arrest one of us,” Tumusiime said.
“We were having lunch when several men in plain clothes came directly to our table and demanded to arrest one of us,” Tumusiime said.
“They seemed shocked that we asked them to identify themselves and explain the reason for the arrest. Their reaction became aggressive very quickly.”
While the initial confrontation appeared restrained, Tumusiime described what followed as brutal and unlawful treatment of his colleagues.
“After that encounter, the situation escalated. There was violence, there was torture. People were thrown into vehicles, blindfolded, and denied communication with the outside world for days. It was a complete violation of every principle of justice.”
Tumusiime said the group was preparing to file a case against President Samia Suluhu’s government, citing breaches of the East African Community (EAC) Treaty and internationally recognized human rights conventions.
“We are demanding a formal apology from the Tanzanian government—not just to the individuals who were mistreated, but also to the countries they represent and to all members of the East African Community,” he said.
While the initial confrontation appeared restrained, Tumusiime described what followed as brutal and unlawful treatment of his colleagues.
“After that encounter, the situation escalated. There was violence, there was torture. People were thrown into vehicles, blindfolded, and denied communication with the outside world for days. It was a complete violation of every principle of justice.”
Tumusiime said the group was preparing to file a case against President Samia Suluhu’s government, citing breaches of the East African Community (EAC) Treaty and internationally recognized human rights conventions.
“We are demanding a formal apology from the Tanzanian government—not just to the individuals who were mistreated, but also to the countries they represent and to all members of the East African Community,” he said.
“We will pursue justice through regional courts and international bodies. This cannot go unanswered.”
He also emphasized that the mistreatment of East African citizens by a fellow member state undermines the spirit of regional integration and mutual respect enshrined in the EAC framework.
President Samia Suluhu has defended the actions of her security forces, stating that Tanzania will not tolerate individuals who, in her words, “have destabilized their own countries” attempting to do the same in Tanzania.
Her statement, however, has only intensified the backlash. Activists argue that peaceful observation of a court proceeding should not be interpreted as a threat to national stability.
The legal case is expected to be filed in both the East African Court of Justice and other international legal forums. Human rights groups are also urging the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the United Nations to investigate the matter.
He also emphasized that the mistreatment of East African citizens by a fellow member state undermines the spirit of regional integration and mutual respect enshrined in the EAC framework.
President Samia Suluhu has defended the actions of her security forces, stating that Tanzania will not tolerate individuals who, in her words, “have destabilized their own countries” attempting to do the same in Tanzania.
Her statement, however, has only intensified the backlash. Activists argue that peaceful observation of a court proceeding should not be interpreted as a threat to national stability.
The legal case is expected to be filed in both the East African Court of Justice and other international legal forums. Human rights groups are also urging the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the United Nations to investigate the matter.
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