Uganda
As of early 2026, the human rights situation in Uganda is characterized by significant tension following the January 2026 general elections. International observers and human rights organizations have reported a marked deterioration in civil liberties, particularly regarding political participation and freedom of expression.
The most pressing issues currently include
1. Electoral Violence and Political Repression
The January 2026 general elections (in which President Yoweri Museveni was declared winner for a seventh term) were marred by widespread reports of state-sponsored violence.
Arbitrary Arrests: Over 550 members of the main opposition party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), were arrested during the campaign.
Enforced Disappearances: UN experts and Human Rights Watch have documented at least 160 cases of enforced disappearances in 2025 alone. Security operatives reportedly use unmarked vehicles (known as "drones") to abduct opposition members to undisclosed "safe houses."
Siege of Opposition Leaders: Following the 2026 vote, the military laid siege to the home of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), restricting his movement and allegedly assaulting his staff.
2. Restrictions on Expression and Digital Rights
The government has intensified its crackdown on dissent through both physical and digital means:
Internet Shutdowns: A blanket internet shutdown was implemented during the January 2026 election period, echoing similar blackouts in 2016 and 2021.
Computer Misuse Act: This legislation is frequently used to arrest bloggers and social media users for "hate speech" or "malicious information" when they criticize the President or government officials. In 2025, several TikTokers were sentenced to years in prison for insulting the First Family.
Media Harassment: Journalists covering opposition rallies have faced physical assaults by security forces, and radio stations have been suspended for "breaching standards" after reporting on election irregularities.
3. LGBTQ+ Rights and the Anti-Homosexuality Act
The Anti-Homosexuality Act (2023) remains a major point of international contention.
Severe Penalties: The law mandates the death penalty for "aggravated homosexuality" and up to 20 years in prison for the "promotion of homosexuality."
Impact on Healthcare: Health organizations report that the law has driven vulnerable populations underground, severely hindering HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment efforts.
Societal Violence: Human rights groups have documented a rise in "mob justice," evictions, and arbitrary arrests targeting individuals based on their perceived sexual orientation.
4. Suppression of Civil Society
The government has increasingly targeted Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and environmental activists:
NGO Suspensions: In early 2026, at least 10 human rights organizations were indefinitely suspended on vague grounds.
Environmental Rights: Activists protesting the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) have faced routine harassment and "extraordinary renditions" (abductions) by security forces.
5. Excessive Use of Force
Security agencies, including the police and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), continue to use disproportionate force:
Protest Crackdowns: Anti-corruption protests in Kampala throughout 2025 and 2026 were met with tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition.
Indigenous Rights: In the Mount Elgon region, the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has been accused of using lethal force against the Indigenous Benet people during land disputes.