Uganda: Arrest of Ugandan Activist Ahead of Elections Spells Trouble

Uganda: Arrest of Ugandan Activist Ahead of Elections Spells Trouble

On December 30, 2025, two weeks before Uganda's January 15, 2026 elections, security forces raided the home of Sarah Bireete, a prominent human rights activist and government critic, and arrested her.

Violations escalate ahead of Uganda elections

from HASSAN ONYANGO in Kampala, UgandaUganda BureauKAMPALA, (CAJ News) – A spate of abductions of opposition figures, attacks on journalists, and the blocking of opposition campaign rallies is raising concerns about the fairness of Uganda’s upcoming general elections. Critics argue that these violations ahead of the 15 January polls skew the process in favour of the incumbent, Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power for 40 years. Recent months ha…

Uganda arrests prominent human rights activist before elections - Media Talk Africa

Ugandan Authorities Arrest Prominent Human Rights Activist Ahead of Elections On December 30, 2025, Ugandan security forces arrested Sarah Bireete, […]Read more at Media Talk Africa

Ugandan human rights lawyer Sarah Bireete detained

Sarah Bireete was arrested on December 30, 2025, after police and military personnel surrounded her home in Kampala. Shortly before her arrest, she posted on X, “My house is under siege by police and army”. As reported by East and Horn of Africa Election Observation Network (E-HORN) on 2 January 2026 The Police Reforms Working Group (PRWG) Kenya has called for the immediate release of Uganda’s human rights lawyer and civil society leader, Dr Sar…