Uganda Arrests Top Critic Two Weeks Before Election

Ugandan security forces have arrested a leading human rights activist just two weeks before a national election. Officers raided the home of Sarah Bireete on December 30, 2025, and took her into custody. Bireete is a prominent critic of the government. The arrest occurs ahead of Uganda's presidential and parliamentary vote scheduled for January 15, 2026. Bireete's organization advocates for democratic reforms and has frequently documented alleged human rights abuses. The detention of such a high-profile government critic so close to an election has drawn immediate international concern. Human rights groups warn it signals a threatening environment for dissent during the campaign period.