As Uganda prepares for the 2026 elections, human rights defenders have strongly appealed to security agencies to end human rights abuses, including torture, denial of freedom of expression, abductions, illegal detentions, prison congestion, and the trial of civilians in military courts.
Several organisations including the Human Rights Centre Uganda led by Margaret Sekaggya, the Uganda Human Rights Commission headed by Esther Nassiwa, the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders in Uganda led by Robert Sempala, the Uganda Human Rights Network for Journalists, and the African Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims led by Nancy Ayebale have all expressed deep concern over the continued rise in torture and the worsening human rights situation in the country.
During a two-day engagement, these partners highlighted persistent violations of freedom of expression. Peaceful protests whether organised by opposition parties, student groups or civil society actors are frequently met with disproportionate force, arbitrary arrests, and pre-emptive detention of organisers.
They also noted a worrying decline in respect for the rule of law, delayed access to justice, and increasing involvement of security operatives in acts that raise fears of state-sanctioned repression ahead of the 2026 elections.
Prison overcrowding remains a serious issue, compromising inmates’ right to a healthy environment.
Major Gen. Gerald Bamwitirebye from the UPDF Human Rights Department, who attended the engagement, condemned the caning of civilians by security operatives, describing it as “horrible and uncalled for.”
The report warned that unless urgent action is taken to ensure accountability, uphold due process, and protect civil and political freedoms, Uganda risks further eroding public trust in democratic institutions and undermining its constitutional commitment to justice and human rights.
Human rights defenders further recommended the establishment of an independent oversight body to investigate police conduct during protests.
They also urged the government to fully implement the Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act to ensure that victims and survivors of torture receive redress and that concrete steps are taken to end torture and violence in Uganda.
