The arrest of Dr Sarah Bireete, Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG), has drawn widespread condemnation from civil society leaders, political figures, and human rights advocates, who describe the move as an intimidation tactic ahead of the upcoming elections.
The Uganda Police Force confirmed the arrest, stating that Dr Bireete is currently in police custody and will be arraigned in court once investigations are complete.
“Once the file is ready, it will be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions to determine the appropriate charges,” said Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala.
Dr Bireete, known for her outspoken advocacy for democracy, human rights, and electoral integrity, has been a vocal critic of government repression and has urged citizens to exercise their voting rights and safeguard their access to polling stations.
In response to the arrest, the Centre for Constitutional Governance expressed solidarity with their leader, tweeting: “Unfortunately, in the cold night, you might not feel our love… We love you, Ugandans love you, your friends and colleagues worldwide love you. #FreeSarahBireete.”
Prominent voices have condemned the detention as an attack on free expression and civil liberties. Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of Oxfam International, said, “This is intimidation ahead of elections—a preparation to rig. She has been a powerful voice against repression. Release @SarahBireete immediately.”
Dr Anyama Alfred Berliner described her detention as a punishment for courage, stating, “The only ‘crime’ of @SarahBireete is her courage to speak truth to power. She has consistently stood up for justice, accountability, and human rights in a system that punishes dissent.”
Political leaders also weighed in. Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, criticised the police for arresting her without a clear charge, calling it a “fishing expedition.”
The Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) party released a statement condemning her arrest as “a blatant violation of constitutional rights, freedom of expression, and the rule of law,” demanding her immediate release or prompt court arraignment.
Musician and opposition leader Bobi Wine highlighted a pattern of targeting civil society ahead of elections, tweeting, “Every election cycle, the regime targets civil society leaders, journalists, and human rights activists with arrests, abductions, torture, deportation, etc.”
Philosophy teacher, cartoonist and columnist, Dr Jimmy Spire Ssentongo, said the “trend of first picking up people, and then finding a case to communicate later, should concern us all – within and without”.
“It means anyone can be picked up anytime. Wouldn’t the police at least already say what they suspect Sarah of? Do you need to first investigate just to state a suspicion on an arrested person? I hope her arrest is not in persecution over her criticism of the government. And I hope that she gets justice – a fair trial, if at all there is a case.”
As the nation approaches elections, Dr Bireete’s arrest has sparked concerns over the shrinking space for independent voices and civil liberties in Uganda, with citizens and international observers closely watching developments.
