The Center for Constitutional Governance (CCG) has linked the arrest and continued detention of its Executive Director, Sarah Bireete, to the prevailing political climate ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections, warning of an escalating crackdown on voices critical of government conduct.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, CCG condemned what it described as the arbitrary arrest and illegal detention of Dr. Bireete, who was taken into custody on December 30 following a police operation at her private residence.
According to the organisation, Uganda Police officers surrounded Dr. Bireete’s home before arresting her and transferring her to Nateete Police Station in Kampala, where she remains in detention.
While Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachel Kawaala has confirmed the arrest, CCG said no formal charges have been preferred against Dr. Bireete, a situation the group says violates constitutional guarantees on arrest and detention.
“No formal charges have been brought against her, which contravenes Article 23(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda,” CCG said, citing the requirement that an arrested person be informed immediately of the reasons for their arrest and their right to legal representation.
CCG described Dr. Bireete as a prominent human rights defender and advocate for constitutionalism and the rule of law, noting that her arrest comes at a sensitive time as the country prepares for the 2026 polls.
The organisation said Dr. Bireete has been actively involved in monitoring the political environment and advocating for electoral integrity, and believes her detention is politically motivated.
“We believe this arrest is a deliberate attempt to stifle one of the most prominent voices calling for government accountability and constitutionalism,” the statement reads.
CCG further warned that the arrest sends an intimidating signal to other civil society actors.
“It is meant to send a chilling message to pro-democracy and human rights activists who demand transparency in the electoral process,” the organisation said.
The group also alleged that Dr. Bireete is being targeted for her consistent public criticism of what it termed abuse of power and lawlessness by elements within the Uganda Police Force.
“Dr. Bireete has repeatedly called out lawlessness and abuse of power by elements in the police who have exhibited gross impunity and lack of respect for the Constitution and the rights of Ugandan citizens,” CCG said.
CCG demanded Dr. Bireete’s immediate release, or her production before a competent court of law if authorities believe she has a case to answer.
“Dr. Sarah Bireete must be released immediately or produced in a competent court of law if there is any legitimate evidence against her,” the organisation stated.
The group also demanded full and unhindered access for her legal team and called for an end to what it described as the weaponization of security agencies against human rights defenders and citizens exercising their constitutional freedoms.
CCG appealed to the Uganda Human Rights Commission, the international community and democracy advocates to intervene and press for her release.
The statement was signed by the Board of Directors of the Center for Constitutional Governance.
