KAMPALA, Uganda – Sarah Bireete, a prominent human rights lawyer and civil society leader, has been arrested by Ugandan police as the nation prepares for the January 15, 2026, general election. Critics say her detention signals a widening crackdown on dissent ahead of the polls.
Police confirmed Bireete’s arrest on December 30, 2025, but did not disclose the charges. Authorities stated she would be arraigned in due course.
Bireete is the Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG), a leading watchdog promoting democratic governance, accountability, and civic education. She is also active as chair of the East and Horn of Africa Election Observers Network and the Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors, often speaking on TV and radio about governance issues.
Opposition leaders and civil society advocates have condemned her arrest. Bobi Wine, leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), called for her immediate release, describing the detention as part of a systematic campaign against activists and journalists ahead of elections.
The arrest comes amid heightened political tension in Uganda, where security forces have detained hundreds of opposition supporters. International bodies, including the United Nations Human Rights Office, have expressed concern over shrinking civic space and threats to democratic freedoms.
As Uganda heads into the 2026 elections, Sarah Bireete’s arrest raises alarms about political repression and the potential impact on the credibility of the upcoming polls.
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