Ugandan activist Agather Atuhaire has alleged that she was raped while in Tanzanian detention. According to her account, Atuhaire was arrested alongside Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s business hub, while attempting to show solidarity with opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is facing treason charges. Atuhaire claims she was:
- Blindfolded and beaten: She was hit on the soles of her feet and had an object inserted into her anus, causing unimaginable pain.
- Sexually assaulted: Atuhaire alleges she was stripped naked and raped while in custody.
- Smeared with excrement: Her captors filmed the abuse, aiming to humiliate and silence her.
Atuhaire displayed scars and bruises from the alleged torture, including a scar on her wrist from tight handcuffs. Both Atuhaire and Mwangi were later abandoned at the border, with Atuhaire being found near the Ugandan border and Mwangi near the Kenyan border.
The Tanzanian authorities have not commented on the allegations. However, regional human rights organizations have called for an immediate investigation, and the US State Department has expressed deep concern over the reports of mistreatment.
Reactions:
- US State Department: Called for an immediate and full investigation into the allegations of human rights abuses.
- Amnesty International: Urged for an urgent investigation into the “torture and forcible deportation” of Atuhaire and Mwangi.
- Regional Rights Groups: Demanded that Tanzania uphold its human rights obligations under regional and international treaties.
