Human Rights Concerns Mount as Civic Freedoms Come Under Increasing Pressure in Uganda

Human Rights Research Center
Aug 5
3 min read

August 05, 2026

Reports of arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances and growing restrictions on fundamental freedoms are raising fresh concerns about the state of human rights in Uganda following the country's January general election.

Recent findings published by the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) documented allegations that at least 50 opposition leaders and supporters, five human rights defenders and five journalists were subjected to abuses in recent months. Many of those affected were reportedly perceived to oppose the government.

The allegations come in the aftermath of January's presidential election, in which President Yoweri Museveni was declared the winner with 71.65 percent of the vote, while his main challenger, Robert Kyagulanyi officially secured 24.72 percent. Kyagulanyi rejected the outcome, alleging electoral irregularities and intimidation of opposition supporters. The disputed election has been followed by renewed scrutiny of political freedoms and concerns over the treatment of government critics.

Civil society organisations have also come under increasing pressure. Ten leading organisations have been suspended this year, while others have reportedly faced increased scrutiny and harassment.

Independent reporting has also documented allegations of arbitrary detention, incommunicado custody and intimidation involving opposition figures, journalists and activists, adding to concerns about due process and the rule of law.

One case that has drawn widespread attention is that of veteran opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye, who has remained in detention since his arrest in November 2024 and is facing treason charges.

Besigye has repeatedly challenged the charges and sought bail, while his lawyers argue that his rights have been violated throughout the legal process. His case has attracted increased scrutiny in recent days after he collapsed during a court appearance last week, raising fresh concerns about his health and the conditions of his detention.

The developments suggest a broader crackdown on civic freedoms, with authorities accused of using laws that fall short of international human rights standards to detain government critics and restrict dissent.

Freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association are protected under Article 29 of Uganda's Constitution, which guarantees every person the right to express their views, gather peacefully and form associations. Uganda is also a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, which require states to protect these freedoms.

The reported abuses have fueled concerns that many Ugandans may be increasingly reluctant to speak out, participate in peaceful public activities or criticise those in power for fear of reprisals. Such conditions can weaken public debate, reduce independent oversight and make it more difficult for citizens to exercise the rights guaranteed under international law.

Glossary

Arbitrary arrests – Arrest of an individual in a case in which there is no likelihood or evidence that they committed a crime against legal statute, or in which there has been no proper due process of law or order
Arbitrary detention – The arrest and deprivation of liberty of a person outside of the confines of nationally recognized laws or international standards.
Crackdown - Severe or repressive measures.
Civic freedoms – Fundamental rights and freedoms that protect individuals' ability to participate in society and engage with their government.
Dissent – An opinion, philosophy or sentiment of non-agreement or opposition to a prevailing idea or policy enforced under the authority of a government,
Enforced disappearances - The arrest, detention, abduction or any other form of deprivation of liberty by agents of the State or by persons or groups of persons acting with the authorization, support or acquiescence of the State,
Freedom of expression- The fundamental human right to express one’s thoughts, ideas, opinions, and beliefs without fear of censorship, reprisal, or discrimination.
Freedom of association - The right of individuals to interact and organize among themselves to collectively express, promote, pursue and defend common interests.
Fundamental freedoms - Critical guarantees for exercising, defending and promoting rights.
Incommunicado custody – A condition of detention in which a person is intentionally placed in isolation: they are deprived of contact with the outside world, relatives, and loved ones.
Independent oversight – the unbiased monitoring and evaluation of a government body by a separate entity free from conflicts of interest, political pressure or direct management control.
International human rights – Body of international law designed to promote human rights on social, regional, and domestic levels.
Peaceful assembly – A fundamental human right that enables individuals to express themselves collectively and to participate in shaping their societies.
Public debate- Formal discussion among citizens about a specific issue.
Reluctant – Feeling or showing aversion, hesitation, or unwillingness.
Reprisal – A violent or aggressive act towards somebody because of something that they have done towards you
Treason – The offense of attempting by overt acts to overthrow the government of the state to which the offender owes allegiance

References

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Human Rights Concerns Mount as Civic Freedoms Come Under Increasing Pressure in Uganda

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