The Board of Directors of the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG) will convene an emergency press conference at their Ministers’ Village offices on Muwafu Road this Friday, January 2, 2026, at 9:00 AM, to address the recent arrest and ongoing detention of Executive Director Dr Sarah Bireete.
The prominent human rights lawyer and civil society advocate remains in custody at Nateete Police Station following a security operation at her residence in Kampala, raising concerns over possible charges, due process, and the state of Uganda’s democratic space ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Bireete, the Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG) and Chairperson of the East and Horn of Africa Election Observers Network (E-HORN), was reportedly taken into custody on December 30, 2025, after police and military personnel surrounded her home in the early afternoon.
Prior to her arrest, she posted on social media that her house was “under siege by police and army,” drawing immediate public attention.
The Uganda Police Force confirmed her detention but did not disclose any formal charges, stating only that she would be produced in court “in due course.” Her legal team has not been served with a charge sheet.
Sources suggest that she may be investigated for cyber-related offences, potentially linked to her public advocacy on maintaining internet access ahead of the elections.
The arrest has drawn sharp criticism from civil society, human rights groups, and legal practitioners. Gideon Nova Kwikiriza, a prominent Ugandan social media activist, digital advocate, and political commentator, said they visited Nateete Police Station, where she is being held.
“She is reportedly being interrogated over a media explanation she gave regarding the use of the National flag and alleged ‘abuse’ of the person of the President. Imagine arresting someone for expressing an opinion and offering clarification on a matter of public interest. Oh, Uganda,” Nova stated.
Nicholas Opiyo, a prominent human rights lawyer, condemned the timing and execution of the arrest: “The timing of the arrest of Ms @SarahBireete and the manner of its execution following her sharp, sustained criticisms of the Kampala regime, her relentless pursuit of the rule of law, only confirms one thing—the democratic space in Uganda is throttled, strangled, and replaced with an authoritarian tendency dressing as a ‘democracy.’”
He added: “If Sarah has committed any offence, accord her the dignity of a summons, interrogation, and processing for accountability. Why storm, surround her home, and subject her to such humiliation of an unlawful ransacking of her home? #FreeSarahBireete”
Agather Atuhaire raised concerns over delays in judicial processing: “It’s 16:40, and Sarah Bireete hasn’t been arraigned in court yet. Now hearing she’s being taken to CPS, still not court. They are still looking for ’emisango gyebasobola okumugulako’. Tomorrow (January 1) is a public holiday, so she will end the year and start the new one in detention. We hope the plan isn’t to keep her in prison until after the elections like they did with Nicholas Opiyo in 2021! #FreeSarahBireete”
Amnesty International Eastern Africa emphasised that the arrest violates fundamental rights: “Following the arbitrary arrest and detention of Ugandan lawyer @SarahBireete on 30 Dec, @Amnesty notes that the authorities have failed to promptly bring her before a court of law in clear violation of her fair trial rights… and in a continuation of a disturbing pattern of repression against perceived government critics. @Amnesty believes that she is being detained solely for the peaceful exercise of her human rights. Ugandan authorities must immediately and unconditionally release her. Pending her release, authorities must grant her immediate access to her family, legal representation and any medical treatment she may require.”
UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima has publicly condemned the detention of Dr Sarah Bireete, demanding an end to state intimidation and calling for an inclusive democratic transition to halt Uganda’s slide into repression.
“Sarah, wherever you are, know that I and so many others are standing with you in this… Ugandans have rights that are intrinsic and that are enshrined in our 1995 constitution.”
Bireete’s arrest comes roughly two weeks before Uganda’s January 15, 2026, general elections, amid concerns about increasing restrictions on opposition voices and election monitors. Observers warn that detaining a senior human rights defender and election observer without clear charges undermines public trust, democratic norms, and electoral credibility.
Opposition figures, civil society organisations, and human rights groups have called for her immediate release or the prompt presentation of charges before a competent court, stressing that continued detention without due process could escalate tensions as the country approaches the polls.
