Tanzania has responded to the submission by the Defend Defenders Network regarding the reports of torture and sexual abuse of Ugandan Lawyer, Agather Atuhaire, and Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi, who were arrested on May 19, 2025, after entering the country to attend court proceedings of Tanzania opposition figure, Tundu Lissu, who is charged with treason.

In his presentation, Tanzania’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Abdallah Posi, argued that the two activists had failed to declare their genuine purpose of entering Tanzania.

“Although these claims against the government are highly doubtful, we take the allegations of torture, sexual abuse, and malpractices very seriously,” Possi said. “That is why the government is currently investigating, and if established, the concerned will be held accountable.”

Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire have also filed lawsuits at the East African Court of Justice, the East African Legislative Assembly, and the International Criminal Court.