Uganda: Authorities Must Desist from Attacks on Civic Space and Investigate 2026 Electoral Period Violations
The Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center strongly condemns the violence, repression, and serious human rights violations that took place during and following the just-concluded general elections in Uganda. We call on the Ugandan authorities to desist from all forms of violence and intimidation; respect the rights of all citizens, including opposition politicians and their supporters; and promptly investigate these egregious violations.
On January 15, 2026, Ugandans went to the polls in an election that was marked by significant rights violations. In the lead-up to the elections, Ugandan authorities targeted human rights defenders, journalists, opposition figures, and civil society organizations through arrests, harassment, and restrictive administrative measures. On election day, the Government shut down nationwide internet connectivity, blocking the world from what transpired during the elections and cutting off access to information and independent reporting on the electoral process. Internet access was restored only after President Museveni was declared the winner with nearly 72% of the vote, against 25% for opposition leader Bobi Wine. Opposition parties have rejected the outcome and called for peaceful protests in response to what they described as widespread irregularities and the absence of conditions necessary for a free and fair election, alleging ballot stuffing, voter intimidation, and the blocking of party agents from polling stations.
Electoral violence escalated sharply following election day. Security forces reportedly used live ammunition and excessive force against opposition supporters, with the government confirming at least seven deaths and dozens injured across several districts. These figures have been disputed by the opposition, which claims that about 100 people were killed on election day.
President Museveni’s nearly four decades in power have been characterized by systemic restrictions on democratic freedoms, repression, and violence against political opponents. Across election cycles, Uganda’s elections show a consistent pattern of violence, intimidation, and state repression, particularly targeting opposition supporters, journalists, and civil society. These trends intensified in the 2021 elections, marked by severe repression, including the use of lethal force by security agencies and nationwide internet shutdowns.
The events surrounding the 2026 elections reflect a troubling continuation of this pattern and risk further entrenching authoritarian rule while eroding public confidence in democratic institutions. This atmosphere of repression has also been reflected in the continued judicial harassment and detention of opposition figures. Veteran opposition leader Kizza Besigye has spent more than a year in custody on treason and related charges, which his lawyers and political allies describe as politically motivated. His family has raised growing concerns regarding his deteriorating health while in detention. Following the elections, the movement of opposition party agents, observers, and supporters was obstructed, and many were arrested. Bobi Wine, the main opposition candidate, was placed under de facto house arrest and was later forced into hiding after escaping a police raid at his home. Two senior members of his party, the National Unity Party, were abducted by security forces and remain missing.
We urge the Ugandan authorities to immediately end all violence and intimidation against civilians; release all individuals arbitrarily detained for exercising their political rights; ensure independent, transparent investigations into all reported killings and abuses; restore full access to the social media platform; and guarantee a credible, impartial process for resolving electoral disputes in line with Uganda’s constitutional and international obligations.
