By Peter Luzinda
Kampala, Uganda — Prominent human rights lawyer and civil society activist Sarah Bireete was arrested on Tuesday following a security operation at her residence in Kampala, an incident that has sparked widespread concern among opposition leaders, civil society organisations, and election observers as the country heads toward the 2026 general elections.
Security personnel, including police and military officers, reportedly surrounded Bireete’s home in the early afternoon before taking her into custody. Shortly before her arrest, Bireete posted on social media warning that her house was “under siege by police and army,” a message that quickly circulated and drew public attention to the unfolding situation.
The Uganda Police Force later confirmed that Bireete was in custody and had been transferred to Nateete Police Station. Police stated that she would be produced in court “in due course” but did not immediately disclose the specific charges against her. By the time of this report, no formal charge sheet had been made public.
Bireete is the Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG), a Kampala-based organisation that focuses on constitutionalism, electoral governance, civic education, and accountability. She is also the Chairperson of the East and Horn of Africa Election Observers Network (E-HORN) and the Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM). Over the years, she has become a well-known voice on issues of electoral integrity, the rule of law, and the role of security forces in Uganda’s political processes.
Although police have not officially stated the reason for her arrest, sources familiar with the matter indicated that investigators were examining recent social media statements in which Bireete criticised possible internet restrictions and the increasing involvement of security agencies in political affairs ahead of the elections. Authorities, however, have not confirmed whether these statements form the basis of any criminal charges.
Her arrest triggered swift reactions from opposition figures and civil society groups. National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, condemned the detention, describing it as part of a broader pattern of targeting government critics and civil society actors. He warned that such actions undermine democratic space and intimidate those involved in election monitoring and civic engagement.
Regional and international organisations also raised alarm. The East and Horn of Africa Election Observers Network described the arrest as unlawful and warned that detaining a senior election observer and rights defender could have serious implications for the credibility of the upcoming elections. Several rights groups called for Bireete’s immediate release or, at minimum, for authorities to clearly state the charges against her and respect due process.
In Kampala, reports emerged of plans for peaceful, women-led protests demanding Bireete’s release, prompting heightened security presence in parts of the city. Legal experts have argued that prolonged detention without clear charges would violate constitutional protections and further strain public trust in state institutions.
Bireete’s arrest comes at a time of heightened political tension as Uganda prepares for national elections scheduled for early 2026. Analysts say the incident reflects long-standing concerns about shrinking civic space, restrictions on dissent, and pressure on independent voices involved in governance and election oversight.
As calls for transparency and accountability grow, many Ugandans and observers are closely watching how authorities handle the case, viewing it as a critical test of the country’s commitment to the rule of law and democratic principles ahead of the polls.