Uganda arrests prominent human rights activist before elections

Ugandan security forces arrested prominent human rights activist and government critic Sarah Bireete at her home on 30 December 2025, just two weeks before the country’s 15 January 2026 elections. She was detained for three days before being brought before the chief magistrates’ court in Kampala, where she was charged with “unlawfully obtaining or disclosing personal data.” Authorities allege that Bireete obtained or disclosed “national voters information” without the Electoral Commission’s consent, but they have offered no further details.

Bireete’s lawyers say that, during her detention, police questioned her about social‑media posts critical of the government and President Yoweri Museveni, who is seeking a seventh term. Her bail hearing is scheduled for 21 January, meaning she will remain in custody after the elections despite Ugandan law requiring bail to be determined “expeditiously.” As director of the Center for Constitutional Governance, a Kampala‑based human‑rights organization, Bireete has been an outspoken critic of the government, frequently commenting in local media and online. She has also raised concerns about the legitimacy of the upcoming elections, citing discrepancies in the voters’ registry.

This is not the first time Ugandan authorities have detained high‑profile critics ahead of elections. In December 2020, human‑rights lawyer Nicholas Opiyo was arrested and charged with money laundering, only for the charges to be later withdrawn. Such actions have sparked concerns about the government’s tolerance for dissent and its commitment to upholding human rights.

The arrest of Sarah Bireete has significant implications for freedom of expression and political participation in Uganda. International observers will be watching the case closely, especially in the run‑up to the elections, to see how the government responds to criticism and dissent. The Ugandan authorities should release Bireete and drop all charges against her, ensuring that her rights are respected and protected.