NEW YORK – United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed concern over recent developments in Uganda, particularly reports of the detention of political and civic actors and cases in which the whereabouts of some individuals remain unclear.
In a statement issued Thursday by the Secretary-General’s Spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, the UN called on all stakeholders to exercise restraint and respect the rule of law amid growing concerns over civil liberties in the country.
“The Secretary-General is closely following recent developments in Uganda and notes with concern reports regarding the detention of political and civic actors, including cases in which the whereabouts of some individuals have not been clearly established,” Dujarric said.
The statement comes amid heightened political tensions in Uganda, where opposition leaders, activists and members of civil society have raised concerns over arrests and detentions by security agencies.
The United Nations reminded the Ugandan government of its constitutional and international obligations to protect fundamental freedoms.
“He recalls that freedom of expression, including the independence of the media, as well as the rights to liberty and security of person, are enshrined in Uganda’s Constitution and its international human rights obligations,” Dujarric said.
The Secretary-General urged all parties to avoid actions that could escalate tensions and instead adhere to the country’s legal framework.
“He encourages all stakeholders to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law,” the statement added.
The UN’s remarks come as Uganda continues to face scrutiny from local and international human rights organisations over the treatment of opposition politicians, journalists and civil society actors. Human rights groups have repeatedly called for greater transparency regarding the detention of political figures and have urged authorities to ensure due process and respect for constitutional rights.
The Ugandan government has consistently maintained that security agencies operate within the law and that arrests are conducted in the interest of national security and public order. Government officials have also rejected allegations of unlawful detentions, insisting that anyone accused of criminal offences is dealt with through the country’s legal system.
The Secretary-General’s statement is the latest expression of international concern over Uganda’s political and human rights situation and underscores the UN’s call for adherence to constitutional protections, respect for fundamental freedoms and the rule of law.
