The government has formally written to Tanzanian authorities demanding an explanation for the arrest and detention of journalist and human rights lawyer Agather Atuhaire.
The High Commission’s demand to Tanzanian authorities follows a detailed letter from civic NGO Agora Discourse, which informed the mission of Atuhaire’s detention and called for immediate consular intervention.
In a letter dated May 22, 2025, Uganda’s High Commissioner to Tanzania, Col. (Rtd) Fred Mwesigye, wrote to the Crime Investigation Department at the Central Police Station in Dar es Salaam requesting access to Atuhaire and clarification on her case.
“This is therefore to request for information on the above-mentioned Ugandan National in Detention at your Facility and permission for the Mission Staff to visit and talk to her, and ascertain the possibility of her release and return to Uganda,” the letter reads.
Agora had earlier revealed that Atuhaire travelled to Dar es Salaam on the night of Sunday, May 18, 2025, to join a regional solidarity mission monitoring the trial of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
However, less than 24 hours after her arrival, she was arrested alongside Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi.
“She was detained by plain-clothed security operatives who identified themselves as members of the Tanzania Police Force at around 13:00 hours on Monday, 19 May 2025 from the Dar-es-Salaam Serena Hotel where she was staying,” Agora said.
The appeal, signed by Agora’s Deputy Team Leader Godwin Toko and Atuhaire’s sister Annex Atukunda, warned that she remained in detention without access to legal support or communication with her family.
“She has not regained her freedom over 72 hours later and attempts by her lawyers, family, and friends to reach her have been futile.”
The organisation’s letter was copied to Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of East African Community Affairs, and the Tanzanian High Commission in Kampala.
However, Toko told Agora that when they attempted to deliver a physical copy of the letter to the Tanzanian High Commission in Kampala, it was turned away.
“They said they would only work with an email,” Toko said, noting that they would proceed to send it electronically.
Atuhaire’s continued detention has triggered regional concern among civic actors and press freedom advocates. Agora insists her case transcends legal technicalities.
“This is not merely a legal matter but a humanitarian and diplomatic issue that requires immediate action,” the group said.
By Thursday, Tanzanian authorities had not issued any public response to the Ugandan government or Agora. But with Kampala’s official intervention now in motion, pressure is mounting for Tanzanian officials to provide answers—and to release the detained activist.
While Uganda took its time to protest, Kenya reportedly piled pressure over Mwangi leading to his release.
Tanzania president Samia Suluhu at the weekend said she would not allow foreigners to destabilize her country as she explained her government's actions in detaining and later deporting former Kenya. Justice minister Martha Karua.