Community-based human rights defenders and civil society activists from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania have raised serious alarm over what they describe as a “drastically deteriorating state of human rights” across East Africa.
Speaking in Nairobi during a regional human rights and social justice training, VOCAL Africa—the convener of the gathering—condemned the region-wide erosion of civic freedoms, intensifying state repression, and the mounting persecution of opposition figures.
“This gathering has provided us with an urgent space to confront the alarming escalation of state-sanctioned repression and to affirm our shared commitment to justice, dignity, and human freedom,” the group said in a press statement.
According to the statement, civic space—the cornerstone of any democratic society—is being systematically dismantled throughout the region. The defenders cited rising intimidation, unlawful surveillance, draconian legislation, and violent crackdowns on dissent.
In Kenya, the resurgence of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings was flagged as especially troubling. Among the recent victims named were Brian Odhiambo, Ibrahim Ramadhan, Dennis Muthui, and Musa Kibet—a high school student—all of whom reportedly disappeared or were killed under suspicious circumstances allegedly involving state security agencies.
In Uganda, the group cited an escalation in abductions and illegal detentions of opposition members and student leaders, particularly those aligned with the National Unity Platform (NUP). Authorities were accused of flouting court rulings by continuing to try civilians in military courts, despite a Supreme Court decision declaring the practice unconstitutional.
In Tanzania, activists and opposition figures reportedly continue to face intimidation, harassment, and violence. The statement highlighted the unresolved case of missing youth activist Deusdedith Soka and the brutal murder of Ali Kibao, whose mutilated body was discovered on the shores of Dar es Salaam.
“These violations are not isolated incidents,” the defenders warned. “They reflect systemic patterns that signal the erosion of democratic institutions and a growing intolerance for dissent across the region.”
The defenders also denounced the “criminalization of political opposition,” pointing to a pattern of politically motivated arrests and harassment.
“In Uganda, longtime opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye was recently detained again on unclear charges. In Kenya, critics of government corruption and mismanagement have faced harassment and arrest. Meanwhile, in Tanzania, opposition leader Tundu Lissu was taken into custody for demanding electoral reforms,” the statement added.
Across all three countries, opposition leaders have faced escalating surveillance and bans on public gatherings—measures the defenders say violate fundamental constitutional rights.
The group demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and detained opposition figures. They called on regional bodies, the international community, and the general public to stand in solidarity against what they termed a “coordinated and deliberate” assault on democracy in East Africa.
“The persecution of dissenting voices is not only unlawful, but a betrayal of the democratic ideals enshrined in our constitutions and international commitments,” the statement concluded.