Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo were last seen being bundled into a car by masked men shortly after attending a political event in support of Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine. Their sudden disappearance sparked concern across East Africa, with many fearing the worst.

This weekend, the organisation Vocal Africa confirmed that the two men were alive and being transported from the Ugandan border town of Busia back to Nairobi. In their message announcing the news, the group called the moment a significant step toward protecting the rights of East Africans across the region.

Ugandan authorities had consistently denied holding the activists, even as Kenyan groups pushed for their release. After widespread pressure, the activists’ safe return has been hailed as a victory for cross-border solidarity. Several human rights organisations jointly expressed gratitude to everyone—from governments to journalists and everyday citizens—who kept demanding answers.

Bobi Wine, who is challenging President Yoweri Museveni in next year’s election, accused Ugandan authorities of targeting Njagi and Oyoo because of their association with him. Uganda’s security agencies have long faced criticism for arresting opposition supporters using unmarked vehicles and plain-clothed officers. Many who disappear later reappear in court, facing criminal charges.

This incident is just one of many troubling cases across East Africa. Last year, Njagi himself was abducted in Kenya and went missing for a month before a court ordered authorities to produce him. He later shared disturbing details about being kept in isolation and denied basic necessities.

Earlier this year, another pair of well-known activists—one Kenyan and one Ugandan—were detained in Tanzania, held without communication, and later dumped at their respective borders. They later revealed they had suffered severe mistreatment, accusations that were quickly dismissed by the authorities.

There have been several similar disappearances involving opposition figures, including a prominent Ugandan politician who vanished in Nairobi and resurfaced days later in a Ugandan military court facing treason charges.

These cases have renewed fears that governments in the region may be working together to silence critics, raising serious concerns about safety, political freedom, and human rights in East Africa.

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Student leadership is the heartbeat of campus democracy, where vision meets action and voices shape the future.

This week the Durban University of Technology (DUT) held their Student Representative Council (SRC) elections.

The institution continues to face longstanding challenges, including concerns around the condition of some student residences. In addition, several students did not receive their National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) monthly allowances this year, reportedly due to delays in submitting registration details to NSFAS.

Students from institutions of higher education face a plethora of challenges starting from securing their spots to navigating issues around accommodation and funding. In the context of elections, engaging with representatives from various political organisations and understanding their manifestos can help students make informed choices during SRC elections.

The South African Conversation by DUT Journalism podcast held a pre-election discussion between the Economic Freedom Fighters Student Command (EFFSC), uMkhonto weSizwe Students’ Movement (MKSM) and the South African Students’ Congress (SASCO) representatives to delve into why they are running for SRC, what student leadership means to them and to hear more about how they plan to bring their manifestos to reality.

“As the EFF members, when we signed the membership, we committed ourselves to serve, suffer and sacrifice for all the students’ issues,” said Sthandwa “Wise” Ndlovu, EFFYC (DUT) Chairperson.

 

The basis of student politics is advocacy, giving students a voice and promote change on campus.

> “Running for SRC doesn’t start with having interest in contesting the elections, but it starts win the challenges that you face as a student within the institution. We need dedicated leadership who will have different ideas to resolve student issues because we also need to be at a level whereby we change the system that is oppressing us. We need to come with new ideas because they have mastered dealing with students in a way that allows them to get away without addressing those issues,” stated Enerst Manogara, uMkhonto weSizwe Student Movement (DUT) Chairperson.

Despite their different views, all candidates share a focus on advocacy, highlighting why student politics matter. As the SRC elections come to an end, the spotlight remains on student leadership as a vital force for representation and reform.

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