Civil Society Organizations Condemn the Arrest and Prosecution of Human Rights Advocate Dr. Sarah Bireete
Democratic Solidarity Africa (DSA) and partner organizations express deep concern and solidarity with Dr. Sarah Bireete, a distinguished human rights lawyer and governance advocate, following her arrest by Ugandan police on 30 December 2025 and her subsequent charging on 2 January 2026. As the Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG), Dr. Bireete has dedicated her career to promoting democratic principles and her work falls squarely within the legitimate mandate of civil society in a democratic society. The criminalization of such work risks setting a dangerous precedent that undermines civic space and deters independent oversight, particularly during sensitive electoral periods.
Dr. Bireete has been charged under Section 35 (1) and (2) of Uganda’s Data Protection and Privacy Act (Cap. 97), alleging the unlawful obtaining or disclosure of National Voters’ Information. While acknowledging the importance of data protection and the rule of law, DSA and partner organizations are deeply troubled by the timing, context, and manner in which these charges have been brought. We, the undersigned organizations, therefore:
- Reaffirm the presumption of innocence and Dr. Bireete’s right to a fair, transparent, and impartial legal process and express serious concern that the arrest and prosecution appear to form part of a broader pattern of actions aimed at shrinking civic space and silencing independent civil society voices;
- Call on the Ugandan authorities to ensure full respect for due process, judicial independence, and international human rights standards and end the intimidation, harassment, or criminalization of civil society actors and human rights defenders;
- Call for the protection of civic space and fundamental freedoms in Uganda and across the African continent, particularly in the context of electoral processes.
We are deeply concerned by the lack of transparency surrounding today’s elections in Uganda. The arrest and prosecution of a peaceful human rights defender sends a chilling message to civil society and risks eroding public trust in democratic institutions. The decision to suspend internet services in the critical period before voting further undermines public trust, restricts access to information, and impedes the ability of citizens, journalists, and observers to participate freely and safely in the democratic process. We reaffirm our collective commitment to defending civil liberties, strengthening democratic institutions, and ensuring that human rights advocates can carry out their vital work free from fear, intimidation, or repression.
Signatories (initial list):
- Democratic Solidarity Africa (DSA)
- Friends of Angola (FOA)
- East and Horn of Africa Election Observation Network (EHORN)
- Opening Central Africa Coalition (OCA) and Sassoufit Collective
