Uganda’s 2026 presidential and general elections, held on 15 January, were marred by escalating restrictions on fundamental freedoms, sparking serious concerns about the state of democracy in the country. In the lead-up to, during, and after the elections, the government imposed measures that severely curtailed freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. These actions not only undermined the credibility of the electoral process but also severely limited the ability of citizens, journalists, and civil society actors to participate meaningfully in public life.
President Yoweri Museveni, declared the winner of the election for a seventh term at the age of 81, has faced increasing international scrutiny over the state’s handling of opposition figures and political dissent. In the aftermath of the vote, Museveni accused opposition actors of attempting to use violence to overturn the results, labeling them as “terrorists.” Such statements, made by the head of state at a highly sensitive moment, have raised alarm about the increasing repression of political opposition and the potential justification for further crackdowns on freedom of expression and association.
Targeting of Human Rights Defenders and Civil Society
One of the most concerning developments in the lead-up to the election was the targeted harassment of human rights defenders and critics of the government. On 30 December 2025, Sarah Bireete, a prominent human rights defender and Executive Director of the Center for Constitutional Governance, was arrested. Bireete has long been an outspoken advocate for governance, accountability, and constitutionalism in Uganda. Her arrest, under the Data Protection and Privacy Act, highlighted the increasing use of legislation to silence dissenting voices and deter scrutiny of those in power.
The timing of her arrest, just days before the election, raised significant concerns about the use of state power to suppress opposition and control information. Bireete’s case is part of a broader pattern where laws are selectively applied to target individuals, especially those speaking out against the government during politically sensitive times.
Internet Shutdowns and Restrictions on Digital Freedoms
As the election period progressed, the Ugandan government also moved to restrict access to digital communications. On 13 January 2026, the Uganda Communications Commission ordered a nationwide internet shutdown, which lasted until 17 January. The government cited concerns about misinformation and electoral fraud as justifications for the shutdown. However, the timing of the shutdown—just days before the election—raised suspicions that it was intended to limit the ability of citizens and journalists to communicate, organize, and monitor the elections.
The shutdown hindered election observation efforts and curtailed citizens’ ability to freely express their views. This disproportionate action had a chilling effect on democratic participation, limiting access to information at a critical moment in the election process. Although the internet was partially restored after Museveni’s victory was announced, the disruption continued to raise serious concerns about the government’s use of digital connectivity restrictions as a political tool to control the narrative.
Violence and Threats Against Opposition Figures
Tensions escalated further when General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, President Museveni’s son, made threatening statements against opposition leader Bobi Wine. In the aftermath of the elections, Kainerugaba publicly threatened to kill Wine, who has been in hiding since polling day. Bobi Wine, leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has claimed that he has evidence of electoral fraud but has chosen not to contest the results, citing the corruption of Uganda’s judiciary. Instead, he has called for peaceful protests, despite the ongoing threats and government repression.
Such threats, particularly when coming from the president’s family, raise serious concerns about the safety of opposition leaders and the stifling of political dissent. This marks a disturbing pattern of violence and intimidation that has characterized Uganda’s political climate in recent years.
The Future of Uganda’s Civic Space
The restrictions on civil society, suppression of media freedoms, and targeting of opposition figures underscore the shrinking space for political discourse in Uganda. The government’s actions during the 2026 election—coupled with the broader crackdown on freedoms—have raised alarms about the state of democracy in the country.
International organizations like ARTICLE 19 have condemned these actions, with Mugambi Kiai, Regional Director of ARTICLE 19 Eastern Africa, stating, “The targeting of human rights defenders, the silencing of civil society, and the shutdown of the internet reflect a deliberate effort to control information and suppress dissent.” These actions, Kiai argues, are incompatible with Uganda’s international human rights obligations and significantly undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
Calls for Reforms and Accountability
The Ugandan government must take immediate and concrete steps to reverse the erosion of civic space and uphold fundamental freedoms. Key recommendations include:
- Dropping charges against individuals targeted for exercising their right to freedom of expression, including human rights defenders and journalists.
- Reinstating all suspended non-governmental organizations and ensuring that any regulatory actions against civil society organizations are lawful, transparent, and follow due process.
- Ensuring unrestricted access to information by refraining from imposing internet shutdowns or digital communication restrictions, especially during electoral periods.
- Guaranteeing that security forces facilitate peaceful assembly and political participation, holding those responsible for abuses accountable.
- Fully complying with Uganda’s constitutional and international human rights obligations to create an enabling environment where citizens can freely express their views, associate, assemble, and participate in public life without fear of reprisals.
Conclusion
The 2026 Ugandan election was marred by severe restrictions on civil liberties, including the targeting of opposition figures, the silencing of human rights defenders, and widespread internet shutdowns. These actions undermine the integrity of the electoral process and the democratic rights of Ugandans. The international community, particularly the United Nations, must take a firm stand against the erosion of civic space in Uganda and demand urgent reforms to ensure the protection of fundamental freedoms.
