The United States has raised fresh concerns over worsening human rights conditions in East Africa, citing unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, torture and suppression of media freedoms in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The findings are contained in the US State Department’s 2024 Human Rights Reports released this week.
In Kenya, the report singles out police conduct during the June–July Gen Z protests over proposed tax hikes. It says security forces used excessive and unlawful force, leaving at least 60 dead, hundreds injured and dozens abducted or missing. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority reported the use of masked officers, unmarked vehicles and the firing of tear gas and live rounds at close range. Journalists were also assaulted and detained while covering the protests, with some media houses reducing coverage after threats from government officials.
In Tanzania, the report documents arbitrary killings, enforced disappearances and torture, noting that opposition leaders, critics and activists were frequent targets. High-profile cases include the abduction and killing of opposition politician Ali Mohamed Kibao and the beating of ACT-Wazalendo youth leader Abdul Nondo. Journalists faced arrests, censorship and suspension of media licenses, while activists reported harassment and intimidation. The report also highlights sexual violence by security officers and the ineffective enforcement of laws against child marriage and female genital mutilation.
In Uganda, the report accuses security forces of carrying out unlawful killings and enforced disappearances, particularly against opposition supporters, journalists and environmental campaigners. Victims were often held incommunicado and tortured, with many languishing in prolonged pretrial detention. Media freedom was restricted through arrests, intimidation and censorship of critical reporting. The report cites the violent shooting of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine and the harassment of journalists covering protests.
The reports call on the three governments to take concrete steps to end impunity, strengthen the protection of fundamental freedoms and ensure justice for victims of rights abuses.
