UgandaToday: Prominent Rights Advocate Dr. Sarah Bireete Arrested in Kampala
Kampala, Uganda — December 30, 2025 — Dr. Sarah Bireete, a leading constitutional lawyer, human rights defender, and Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG), was arrested by security forces on Tuesday afternoon at her home in Kampala. The detention, confirmed by the Uganda Police Force, has sparked intense debate across civil society and political circles as the country approaches the January 15, 2026 general elections.
According to official police statements, Dr. Bireete is currently in custody and will be arraigned in court in due course, though authorities have not yet disclosed the specific charges against her. Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala affirmed Bireete’s detention in a brief communication on social media, underscoring that investigations are ongoing.
Siege and Detention Details
Security personnel reportedly surrounded Dr. Bireete’s residence on Tuesday afternoon, prompting the veteran activist to warn the public via her verified X account (formerly Twitter):
“My house is under siege by Police and Army.” Sarah Bireete on her X account
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Close associates later confirmed that she was taken from her home and is currently being held at the Central Police Station (CPS) in Kampala. Efforts to contact Dr. Bireete after her arrest were unsuccessful, with her phone lines reportedly unreachable.
Background: A Vowed Watchdog Voice
Dr. Bireete is a distinguished lawyer and governance expert who has spent years promoting constitutionalism, civic education, and electoral integrity both in Uganda and across the East and Horn of Africa. As the founding partner and Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG) — a regional watchdog based in Kampala — she has been instrumental in advocating for accountable governance and strengthening the rule of law. CCG’s mandate spans several countries including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan. Center for Constitutional Governance –
Beyond her CCG role, Dr. Bireete also serves as Chairperson of the East and Horn of Africa Election Observers Network (EHORN) and the Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM), positioning her as a prominent voice in civil society efforts around electoral monitoring and democratic participation.
Reactions and National Discourse
Her arrest has provoked swift reactions from human rights advocates and political leaders. National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Robert Kyagulanyi “Bobi Wine” condemned the detention, framing it as an attempt to stifle government critics and intimidate civil society ahead of elections.
Civil society figures have also raised concerns about the timing and lack of clarity surrounding the arrest, suggesting it could have broader implications for civic space and freedoms at a sensitive moment in Uganda’s democratic calendar.
A Developing Story
As of publication, the police have reiterated that Dr. Bireete will be brought before a court once the investigative file is complete and has been reviewed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Civil society groups both within Uganda and abroad are closely monitoring developments, calling for transparency and respect for due process.
Further updates will follow as more information becomes available.
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