Uganda’s Elections at Risk: What Happens If Activist Isn’t Released NOW? Shocking Consequences Await!

In a troubling development ahead of Uganda's upcoming elections, prominent government critic Sarah Bireete was arrested by security forces on Thursday. Bireete, who serves as the executive director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance, has been an outspoken opponent of President Yoweri Museveni's administration. Her arrest has drawn sharp criticism from international human rights advocates.

Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz, the Africa deputy director at Human Rights Watch (HRW), stated, “Sarah Bireete’s arrest is a demonstration of the Uganda government’s continuing intolerance of dissent. The Ugandan authorities should release Bireete, drop all charges against her, and respect the rights to freedom of expression and political participation.” Bireete was taken from her home and charged with “unlawfully obtaining or disclosing personal data.” Reports indicate that she was held in custody beyond the legal maximum of 48 hours before being presented in court, which is alarming given the context of the upcoming elections.

Uganda's electoral environment has been increasingly scrutinized, primarily due to a history marked by seven consecutive electoral victories for Museveni. These elections have often been criticized for lacking true competitiveness and institutional independence. Observers, including those from the United Nations, have noted the implementation of various legislative measures that have systematically undermined democratic principles. This includes changes to anti-terrorism laws, public order controls, and the Computer Misuse Act, all of which have restricted freedoms of expression and assembly, enabling arbitrary arrests and prolonged detentions.

The elections slated for January 2026 have been labeled as “senseless” by the Council on Foreign Relations, which argues that the electoral process has become more of a mechanism for reinforcing the power of the incumbent rather than a genuine tool for public accountability. In the run-up to these elections, the Ugandan government has responded to opposition rallies with force, imposed media restrictions, and detained significant political figures. The atmosphere of repression has intensified, particularly against opposition parties and civil society, leading to serious consequences for freedom of assembly and expression.

Notably, the 2021 elections saw a nationwide internet shutdown lasting five days, raising serious concerns about access to information and electoral transparency. Given this backdrop, Bireete's recent arrest is viewed as part of a larger, troubling pattern of governmental behavior that threatens both electoral legitimacy and the rule of law in Uganda.

Human rights organizations argue that the ongoing constraints will have profound implications for the democratic process in Uganda. As the nation gears up for elections, the international community is watching closely, aware that any further erosion of political freedoms could have lasting consequences for both governance and civil society in the country.