Activist Agather Atuhaire Faces Death Threats

Prominent activist and journalist Agather Atuhaire has come forward with alarming claims of threats against her life. The threats, allegedly from members of the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI), underscore the dangerous environment faced by those who challenge the status quo in Uganda.

On Thursday, August 1, 2024, Atuhaire’s elder sister received a disturbing call from an unidentified individual claiming to have a message from the CMI. The caller inquired about her location, and despite her attempt to deter them by mentioning she was on Entebbe Road, they insisted on meeting her, demonstrating an unsettling persistence.

The meeting was arranged at Quality Mall in Lubowa. Within minutes, three men arrived and identified themselves as the individuals waiting for her. Upon confirming her identity by noting her resemblance to Atuhaire, they delivered a chilling warning: they would kill Atuhaire. They detailed that they knew her jogging routes and claimed someone was constantly following her, ready to act on orders to harm her.

The men from CMI accused Atuhaire of receiving money from foreign agents to fund protests, suggesting that her activism was causing them significant unrest. They dismissed her sister’s defense, who explained that any money received was to help those arrested during protests, a claim they arrogantly refuted.

To emphasize their point, they called someone they identified as Birungi, purportedly the head of CMI, to reiterate the threat. Although they did not provide their names, a witness recognized two of the men as “Muzoora” and “Chris Bya-something,” leaving the third unidentified.

Atuhaire has chosen to publicize these threats to ensure that if any harm comes to her or her family, the perpetrators will be known. “I am putting this here so that if something happens to me or any of my family members, well-meaning Ugandans will know where to start,” she stated.

In her statement, Atuhaire defiantly declared, “You guys don’t own this country and you definitely don’t own our lives.” She vowed to continue her activism, promising to write about the roots of the allegations regarding financial support for protestors.

This incident highlights the risks faced by activists in Uganda, where state agencies often exert pressure on those who speak out against the government. The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) protest, where three university students and a Belgian national were recently arrested, is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle between environmental activists and powerful interests.

As Atuhaire prepares to reveal more about the propaganda surrounding protest funding, her courage in facing these threats serves as a testament to the resilience of activists fighting for justice and transparency in Uganda. The international community and local supporters will undoubtedly watch closely, rallying behind her call for accountability and protection for those daring to voice dissent.