Uganda: Authorities target human rights defenders and announced internet shutdown ahead of elections
Front Line Defenders is gravely concerned by the targeting of human rights defenders in the context of upcoming elections in Uganda on 15 January 2026 and further restrictions to civic space. The organisation condemns the suspension of several prominent NGOs, including, The Center for Constitutional Governance, The National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders in Uganda and Chapter Four Uganda and, the judicial harassment and arbitrary detention of woman human rights defender and lawyer, Dr. Sarah Bireete.
Dr Sarah Bireete is a woman human rights defender, lawyer and President of the East African Civil Society Organisations’ Forum. Her extensive human rights work has focused on governance issues, advancing constitutionalism, electoral rights and civic space in Uganda. Dr Sarah Bireete is also the founding Partner and Executive Director of the Center for Constitutional Governance (CCG), a Ugandan Constitutional Watchdog, which aims to uphold the rule of law and promote fundamental rights across East Africa. The National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders in Uganda is a non-profit organisation which mobilises human rights defenders who work collectively to co-ordinate their protection and safety, and promote their human rights work across the country. Chapter Four Uganda is an NGO that utilises legal expertise to defend and advocate for the protection of civil liberties and fundamental rights, whilst also seeking to hold accountable those responsible for human rights violations. These organisations have received a letter communicating their suspension. Front Line Defenders has received credible reports that up to seven other human rights organisations have also received letters of suspension, but it had not been able to independently verify this information at the time of writing.
On 9 January 2026, the Uganda National NGO Bureau, under the authority of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, ordered the suspension of several NGOs, including the Center for Constitutional Governance, the National Coalition Human Rights Defenders in Uganda and Chapter Four Uganda. The organisations received letters with identical wording on 9 January 2026, ordering them to cease all operations with immediate effect under Article 42(d) of the NGO Act Cap 109 (as amended). The National Bureau alleges that the letter was issued following the receipt of intelligence information and alleges that the NGOs are supposedly involved in activities that contravene Ugandan laws and endanger national security. The Bureau further requested the Inspector General of Police to ensure that the suspension orders are complied with, until investigations are concluded.
On 30 December 2025, woman human rights defender, Dr. Sarah Bireete was arrested at her home in Kampala with neither a reason nor warrant provided, and taken to Nateete Police Station, where she was detained for four days, in violation of the 48 hour limit guaranteed under the Constitution. On 2 January 2026, the woman human rights defender appeared before Buganda Road Court where she was charged with ‘Unlawful obtaining or disclosing of personal data.’ This appears to be in relation to a public statement she made, discussing information related to the National Voter’s Register, a document open to the public. The Court decided to adjourn the bail application hearing until 21 January 2026, prolonging her detention at Luzira Upper Prison Women’s section by 20 days to ‘allow time for the prosecution to respond’, in further violation of her constitutional rights.
Amidst these ongoing violations, the Ugandan Communications Commission has directed a nationwide internet shutdown to take effect on 13 January 2026 at 18:00 p.m. local time which will remain in force until a restoration notice is issued. This shutdown will prevent access to information on, but not limited to, social media platforms, web browsing, personal email services and messaging applications.
This series of events occur within the context of upcoming general elections in Uganda on 15 January 2026. Human rights defenders and organisations seem to be targeted by authorities in an effort to stem their legitimate human rights activities which seek to promote democratic freedoms and constitutional guarantees.
The suspension of NGOs, the prolonged detention of Dr Sarah Bireete, and the internet shutdown, are designed to restrict civic space, silence dissent and inhibit the freedom of expression and assembly at a pivotal moment in the political life of the country. By constricting civic space through the targeting of human rights defenders and information blackouts, authorities erode the transparency, social oversight, and public participation that constitute the enabling environment for accountable governance and sustainable development in Uganda.
Front Line Defenders urges the authorities in Uganda to cease the targeting of human rights defenders and the interference with their legitimate human rights activities, which is critical to promote constitutional guarantees and fundamental rights. The organisation calls on the authorities to withdraw the suspension of prominent NGOs in Uganda, including, the Center for Constitutional Governance, the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders in Uganda and Chapter Four Uganda. It also calls for the immediate release of Dr Sarah Bireete and urges the authorities to drop the charge against her which was issued in violation of her constitutional and fundamental rights.
