Ugandan human rights activist Sarah Bireete was arrested and detained on December 30, 2025, by the Uganda Police Force on charges related to electoral data. The State alleges that Bireete and others unlawfully obtained or disclosed national voters’ information, contrary to the Data Protection and Privacy Act. However, her arrest and detention have raised concerns about political persecution and the suppression of free speech.
Bireete, the Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance, was interrogated about her political opinions and expression during her pre-trial detention, rather than the alleged data protection offenses. This line of questioning suggests that her arrest was motivated by a desire to punish her for her criticism of the government.
The Ugandan Constitution guarantees freedom of expression and civic participation, but political detentions have become routine. Many Ugandans have been arrested and detained for expressing dissent, and the judiciary has been criticized for its handling of such cases. The denial of bail and the use of lengthy adjournments have been used to prolong detention and suppress political expression.
In Bireete’s case, the court’s decision to remand her to prison despite the presentation of substantial sureties has been criticized as a serious error. The magistrate’s decision to allow the State time to respond to the bail application has been seen as a form of judicial capitulation in a politically sensitive case.
The use of detention as a means of suppressing political expression is a concern in Uganda. Even brief periods of incarceration can have a lasting impact on a person’s mental health and well-being. The judiciary must ensure that detention is used only as a measure of last resort and that the rights of individuals are protected.
The case of Sarah Bireete highlights the need for the Ugandan government to respect the rights of its citizens and to ensure that the judiciary is independent and impartial. The international community is watching the situation closely, and it is essential that the government takes steps to address concerns about human rights and the rule of law.
