The United Nations has warned that Uganda’s January 15 elections are unfolding amid escalating repression, intimidation, and violence.
According to a report from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), opposition leaders, activists, and journalists have faced arbitrary arrests, raids, and prolonged detention.
Security forces, including the police, military, and the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force, have reportedly used both lethal and non-lethal force to disperse peaceful assemblies, and opposition supporters have been abducted in unmarked vehicles.
Speaking on the report, UN Human Rights spokesperson Marta Hurtado said, “Next week’s elections in Uganda will take place in an environment marked by widespread repression and intimidation against the political opposition, human rights defenders, journalists, and those with dissenting views.”
Hurtado noted that opposition parties, particularly the National Unity Platform (NUP), have been disproportionately affected.
“Ugandan authorities have arrested and detained opposition leaders and activists, raided the premises of political opposition parties, and confiscated their property. They have also suspended radio stations, arrested bloggers, and tightened control over NGOs,” she said.
Roadblocks, raids, and forced dispersals have prevented opposition gatherings, while the government has imposed bans on live broadcasting of what it terms “riots and unlawful processions.”
High-profile opposition figures remain in detention. Leading opposition figure Kizza Besigye has been held on treason charges since being abducted in Kenya in November 2024, and his associate Obeid Lutale has repeatedly been denied bail.
Pan-African Solidarity also issued an urgent call to action, warning Ugandans to exercise their constitutional right to vote while taking personal security precautions and staying within a lawful distance of polling stations.
The coalition also highlighted statements from military officials threatening voters who remain near polling stations after casting ballots, despite the law allowing them to remain 20 meters away.
The statement raised concerns over judicial abuses, noting that judges have denied bail on often fabricated charges, while civil society leaders, including Dr Sarah Bireete, have been arbitrarily detained.
Media houses are reportedly under regulatory pressure, journalists face intimidation and arrest, and internet and social media platforms, including Facebook and satellite internet services, remain restricted, limiting access to information.
Pan-African Solidarity urged Ugandan authorities to immediately de-escalate tensions, withdraw military forces from civilian electoral spaces, uphold the rule of law, and guarantee uninterrupted internet access.
The coalition also called on international observers and partners to denounce electoral malpractice and support citizens’ and civil society efforts to defend democracy.
“Uganda stands at a decisive moment. The warning signs are clear and consistent. The actions taken in the coming days will determine whether the January 2026 elections strengthen democratic legitimacy or deepen a profound political crisis,” said the Pan-African Solidarity.