Two Kenyan activists who were detained in Uganda have been released after more than a month in custody.

They have alleged been tortured during their 38-day-long detention, a claim that’s once again put a spotlight on Uganda’s human rights record ahead of next year’s elections.

The activists say their ordeal began in October when they were abducted during opposition rallies in central Uganda.

For weeks, authorities denied holding them until diplomatic pressure from Nairobi led to their release.
Ugandan police accused the pair of entering the country illegally to support opposition leader Bobi Wine’s National Unity Platform.

But the activists insist they were in Uganda for civic work and had clearance to be in the country.

They’ve claimed they were blind folded, beaten, and held in isolation and that they didn’t think they would make it out alive.

These claims have angered regional rights groups, with many now calling for an independent investigation.

Ugandan police deny the torture claims, saying the men were handled according to local law.

The arrests come amid rising political tensions as Uganda heads to the polls next year.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has been in power for almost four decades and is gunning for another term in office.

Security forces have been cracking down on opposition rallies and arresting campaign organisers, accusing Bobi Wine’s supporters of inciting violence, claims the party dismisses as intimidation.

Wine is pitching himself as the main contender to take on President Museveni in the polls.

–SABC–