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.
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.
By Newsroom
31st Dec 2025
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