```html Kenyan Activists Reportedly Abducted in Uganda, Sparking Rights Concerns

Two Kenyan human rights activists are reportedly missing in Uganda after allegedly being abducted while attending a campaign event for opposition leader Bobi Wine. The incident has triggered strong condemnation from rights groups and raised concerns about cross-border collaboration to suppress dissent in East Africa.

Bobi Wine Alleges Government Involvement

Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, who is challenging President Yoweri Museveni in the upcoming elections, stated that Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo were "picked up mafia-style" at a petrol station and taken to an unknown location. He directly accused the Ugandan government of targeting the activists for their association with him.

"We condemn the continuing lawlessness by the rogue regime and demand that these brothers are released unconditionally! The criminal regime apparently abducted them simply for associating with me and expressing solidarity with our cause!" Wine posted on X, formerly Twitter.

Police Deny Involvement, Army Remains Vague

Ugandan police spokesman Kituma Rusoke told the BBC that the two Kenyans were not in police custody, suggesting other security agencies might be involved. However, when contacted, army spokesperson Felix Kulayigye stated he couldn't comment on allegations involving non-uniformed "security operatives" and challenged Bobi Wine to provide proof of the abduction and identify the responsible agency.

This ambiguity from security officials has fueled suspicions given past incidents where Ugandan security agencies have been accused of detaining opposition figures without uniform, often leading to their subsequent appearance in court on criminal charges.

Eyewitness Account

A witness, who requested anonymity for security reasons, told Kenya's Citizen TV that four armed men forced the activists into a vehicle. "There were four of them. There was also a lady who was seated in front; they took Bob and Oyoo Ochieng, who is the secretary general of the Free Kenya Movement," the witness said, adding that both men were unreachable by phone.

Regional Concerns Over Silencing Dissent

The reported abductions come amid growing concerns about the shrinking space for dissent in East Africa. Several recent incidents have raised fears that governments in the region may be collaborating to suppress opposition voices.

Earlier this year, Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and his Ugandan counterpart Agather Atuhaire were detained in Tanzania and held incommunicado before being abandoned at their respective national borders. They alleged brutal mistreatment, including sexual torture, by Tanzanian authorities, which police dismissed as hearsay.

Last year, Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye mysteriously disappeared in Nairobi and resurfaced days later in a Ugandan military court facing treason charges. These events, coupled with Njagi's previous abduction in Kenya, have sparked widespread condemnation and calls for greater protection of human rights defenders.

Historical Context and Museveni's Rule

President Yoweri Museveni has been in power in Uganda since 1986. While initially praised for bringing stability, his rule has become increasingly authoritarian, with critics pointing to restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, and the suppression of political opposition. Museveni's longevity in power has been a source of both stability and contention, with many Ugandans expressing a desire for political change.

Expert Perspective: The Erosion of Democratic Space

Dr. Maria Burnett, a researcher specializing in human rights in East Africa, notes that the reported abductions are symptomatic of a broader trend. "We are seeing a worrying pattern of governments in East Africa increasingly using extra-legal means to silence dissent and target activists," she explains. "The lack of transparency and accountability surrounding these incidents creates a climate of fear and undermines the rule of law. The international community needs to exert more pressure on these governments to respect human rights and ensure the safety of activists and opposition figures."

Call for Investigation

Vocal Africa, a Kenyan rights group, has strongly condemned the reported abductions and demanded the unconditional release of Njagi and Oyoo. The organization has called on both the Kenyan and Ugandan governments to launch a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident and ensure the safety and well-being of the activists. ```