UN rights office says widespread repression in Uganda before election

The U.N. Human Rights Office said the Jan. 15 presidential election in Uganda would take place amid widespread repression and intimidation; the report notes arrests including Kizza Besigye and Sarah Bireete, and that Bireete was remanded until Jan. 21.

The U.N. Human Rights Office (OHCHR) issued a report saying the upcoming presidential election in Uganda would occur in an environment marked by widespread repression and intimidation. The vote is scheduled for Jan. 15, 2026. OHCHR says authorities have used legal measures, including military legislation, to restrict political activity. The report also records arrests and detentions of opposition figures and civic leaders. Reported developments: - OHCHR states the Jan. 15 election will take place amid widespread repression and intimidation. - The report cites restrictions through laws and military-related measures that limit political activity. - It documents arrests and detentions of opposition figures, including Kizza Besigye and Sarah Bireete, who are held in a maximum-security prison. - A magistrate remanded Sarah Bireete to jail until Jan. 21. Summary: The OHCHR report highlights concerns about restrictions on political activity ahead of the Jan. 15 presidential vote. Detentions of opposition figures are ongoing, and Sarah Bireete was remanded until Jan. 21. The immediate next scheduled dates noted in reporting are the Jan. 15 election and the Jan. 21 remand date.