The arrest and continued detention of prominent Ugandan human rights lawyer and civil society leader Dr Sarah Bireete has caused domestic and regional concern, with election observers warning that the incident risks undermining civic freedoms and public confidence ahead of the January 2026 general elections.
The East and Horn of Africa Election Observation Network (E-HORN), a regional coalition of domestic election observer groups operating across eight countries, confirmed on Wednesday that its Chairperson, Dr Bireete, was arrested on December 30, 2025, and is being held at Nateete Police Station in Kampala.
E-HORN’s statement issued from Nairobi, said that while Uganda Police Force has acknowledged Dr Bireete’s arrest through its official social media channels, no formal charges have been communicated to her or her legal representatives.
“Full adherence to constitutional safeguards is essential to upholding due process and maintaining public confidence in the administration of justice,” E-HORN said.
Dr Bireete is the Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG), a well-known constitutional governance expert, an election observer and media commentator. She has been particularly vocal in recent months about shrinking civic space, the role of security agencies in politics, and electoral integrity ahead of the 2026 polls.
E-HORN cited Article 23(3) of the Constitution of Uganda, which requires that any arrested person be immediately informed of the reasons for their arrest and of their right to a lawyer of their choice. The network also pointed to Article 28, which guarantees the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair, speedy and public hearing before an independent tribunal.
“These protections are not optional, but are foundational to the rule of law,” E-HORN said.
The group further reminded the Ugandan government of its obligations under international and regional frameworks, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), notably Articles 9, 10 and 11, as well as the East African Community Treaty, which commits partner states under Articles 6(d) and 7(2) to democracy, good governance and respect for human rights.
On Tuesday, police confirmed in a brief statement that Dr Bireete was in custody and would be produced in court “in due course,” but did not disclose the charges.
Earlier, Dr Bireete posted on X (formerly Twitter) that her home in Kampala had been surrounded by security forces, writing: “My house is under siege by Police and Army.”
Police later said she had been transferred to a central police facility.
By late Tuesday, requests for clarification on the specific allegations against her had gone unanswered.
The arrest has drawn added attention because it follows recent public remarks by Dr Bireete on access to satellite internet services, including Starlink, the low-earth orbit satellite internet constellation operated by Starlink Services, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of SpaceX.
In televised and online discussions, Dr Bireete had argued that satellite-based internet could help mitigate internet shutdowns and digital restrictions during elections, a proposal that resonated with sections of civil society but also drew criticism from government supporters.
One commentator, Musinguzi Wellen, accused her of “misleading people” on how to access Starlink services, arguing that sensitive technology and investment matters should be handled quietly. However, no official statement has linked her arrest to these remarks.
Opposition figures and civil society leaders have strongly condemned the arrest. National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, said Dr Bireete’s detention followed a familiar pattern.
“Every election cycle, the regime targets civil society leaders, journalists and human rights activists with arrests and intimidation,” Kyagulanyi said. “Her arrest follows her consistent condemnation of excesses and brutal conduct.”
Political analyst Jim Spire Ssentongo questioned the practice of arrest first and explain later. “Anyone can be picked up anytime, wouldn’t police at least say what they suspect Sarah of?” Ssentongo asked.
From civil society, Timothy Chemonges, Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Analysis (CEPA), warned that the case would test Uganda’s democratic credentials.
“A democracy is measured by how it treats those who question it. The arrest of Sarah tests our collective commitment to rights, legality and restraint,” he said.
Online, citizens expressed both anger and fear, with many warning that silencing outspoken voices could have a chilling effect on civic engagement as the country approaches a highly contested election.
As Chairperson of E-HORN, Dr Bireete has played a key role in coordinating citizen-led election observation, strengthening regional solidarity among observer groups, and promoting evidence-based advocacy on electoral integrity.
E-HORN said it remains committed to peaceful civic engagement and constructive dialogue with state institutions, but urged authorities to ensure that all legal processes involving Dr Bireete comply with national law and international standards.
With less than three weeks to polling day, observers warn that how the state handles high-profile cases involving civil society leaders could significantly shape both domestic confidence and international perceptions of the 2026 elections.
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