By Spy Uganda
Regional and national civil society organisations have raised concern over the arrest and continued detention of Dr. Sarah Bireete, a prominent Ugandan governance and human rights advocate, calling for her immediate release or formal charging in accordance with the law.
In a statement dated December 31, 2025, the Electoral Support Network of Southern Africa (ESN-SA) said it was deeply concerned by reports that Dr. Bireete, the Vice Chairperson of the African Election Observers Network (AEO-Net), was arrested at her residence on December 30 and subsequently detained by police in Kampala.
The regional body urged Ugandan authorities to uphold constitutional safeguards and international human rights obligations, warning that detention without charge or timely judicial oversight undermines democratic norms and public confidence in governance. ESN-SA called for Dr. Bireete’s immediate release or her prompt presentation before a competent court of law.
The call was echoed by the Uganda Women’s Movement, which on January 1, 2026, issued a separate statement strongly condemning Dr. Bireete’s continued detention at Nateete Police Station without charge.
According to the Uganda Women’s Movement, Dr. Bireete, who is also the Director of the Center for Constitutional Governance, has not been informed of any charges nor produced before court within the constitutionally mandated 48 hours. The group said this contravenes Article 23 of Uganda’s 1995 Constitution, which guarantees the right to personal liberty.
“As of January 1, she has neither been charged nor presented before court, rendering her detention unconstitutional and unlawful,” the statement read.
The organisation warned that arbitrary detention erodes the rule of law, weakens public trust in state institutions, and has broader implications for civic space, particularly for women leaders and human rights defenders. It said such actions risk discouraging women’s participation in governance and political processes, especially during election periods.
The Uganda Women’s Movement demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Dr. Bireete, an end to arrests and detentions without charge, full compliance by security agencies with constitutional provisions, and guarantees for the safety of human rights defenders.
Both organisations called on the Ugandan state to respect constitutional and international human rights commitments and ensure that due process is followed in all criminal justice matters.
Police had not immediately commented on the allegations by the time of publication.
