As Uganda approaches the 2026 general elections, the political climate is increasingly marred by a rise in abductions and unlawful arrests, with a notable focus on opposition members and youth activists. These actions are a blatant violation of human rights and civil liberties, directly contradicting the democratic image Uganda strives to showcase internationally.
In recent years, Ugandans have grown accustomed to witnessing fellow citizens being forcibly taken away in unmarked vans—often referred to as "drones"—and then disappearing for weeks or even months. Typically, those targeted include opposition supporters, youth affiliated with the National Unity Platform (NUP), and outspoken critics of the regime. Many individuals are detained without due process in military barracks, undisclosed safe houses, or unknown locations, leaving families in agonizing uncertainty about the fate of their loved ones.
The cases of Eddie Mutwe and Noah Mutwe, close associates of NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), illustrate this troubling pattern, as they have endured repeated arrests, detentions without trial, and alleged torture. Likewise, the 2024 abduction of Dr. Kizza Besigye from Nairobi, followed by his detention on capital charges in Uganda, underscores a deliberate campaign to stifle dissent. Despite a 2025 Supreme Court ruling that declared it unconstitutional to try civilians in military courts, Besigye was initially subjected to military jurisdiction until public outcry and a hunger strike prompted his case to be transferred to a civilian court.
Such practices undermine the rule of law and severely compromise Uganda’s electoral credibility. Rather than fostering trust, transparency, and active participation ahead of the elections, these actions instill fear and discourage political engagement, especially among the youth—the very demographic that should be driving a vibrant democracy.
The international community has responded with growing alarm. Organizations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the Commonwealth have demanded the immediate release of political prisoners and an end to arbitrary detentions. In February 2025, the Commonwealth issued a forceful statement urging the Ugandan government to free detained opposition figures, emphasizing that these practices gravely undermine Uganda’s commitment to democratic governance and human rights.
The continual disregard for international norms and treaties not only isolates Uganda on the diplomatic stage but also damages its global reputation, undermining investor confidence and weakening diplomatic relations.
Beyond immediate political ramifications, the enduring consequences of these actions are deep and widespread. When a government normalizes repression, it ultimately conditions its citizens—especially the youth—to accept fear, silence, and subjugation as standard practice. Such a climate fosters apathy and traps a generation in a cycle of disengagement and despair. When people grow up witnessing the abduction of their heroes and the silencing of their voices, their belief in peaceful political change diminishes, often leading them to retreat into indifference or adopt more radical, potentially violent, methods of expression.
It is incumbent upon all sectors of society to confront this escalating injustice. Religious institutions, traditionally viewed as impartial moral arbiters, have made significant contributions in this regard. The Inter-Religious Council of Uganda (IRCU) has openly condemned the harsh arrests of opposition figures and has consistently urged the government to honor constitutional values and safeguard human life. The efforts of the IRCU and its Elders Forum are essential in championing national dialogue, peace, and accountability.
Similarly, civil society and humanitarian organizations have maintained a crucial role. The Human Rights Network Uganda (HURINET), representing more than 60 member organizations, continues to document abuses rigorously, provide legal aid to victims, and raise awareness both at home and abroad. Their advocacy remains a cornerstone in the quest for human dignity and justice.
Yet, the effectiveness of these organizations is hampered by a government that perceives dissent as a threat rather than a democratic right. For real change to occur, state institutions must realign with the full spirit and letter of Uganda’s Constitution. Security forces must be held accountable, the judiciary must operate independently, and all political actors must be treated fairly. The forthcoming elections should not be a mere formality but a genuine expression of the people’s will.
Uganda now stands at a decisive crossroads. It can choose to honor its constitutional responsibilities and lay the foundation for a democratic, inclusive, and just society, or it can persist along a path of repression, fear, and international disapproval. The world watches closely, and future judgment will be cast based not on rhetoric but on the actions taken.
Ugandans and their future generations deserve a country where justice is impartial, freedom is a universal right rather than a privilege, and leadership is built on service rather than maintained through fear.
