The United Nations has voiced strong concerns over the escalating suppression of political opposition and media outlets in Uganda, ahead of the upcoming general elections. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed his alarm at what he described as an intensifying campaign of repression.
According to Türk’s statement, credible reports indicate that at least 550 individuals have been arrested since the beginning of the year. Among those detained are members and supporters of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP). The number of arrests since the start of the election campaigns in September has exceeded 300.
Many remain in detention facing charges ranging from inciting riots and disobeying lawful orders to promoting violence. The statement further noted that security forces have repeatedly intervened in the opposition party’s activities, deploying heavily armed units. Live ammunition was reportedly used last week in the eastern city of Iganga, resulting in one fatality and injuries to three others.
The UN High Commissioner highlighted the Ugandan security forces’ use of tear gas, whips, batons, water cannons, and chemical substances to disperse opposition supporters. He asserted that the election campaigns continue to be marred by arbitrary arrests, mass detentions, unnecessary or excessive use of force, and restrictions on press freedom.
Türk also pointed to a growing pattern of enforced disappearances, torture, and ill-treatment. This includes the transportation of individuals in unmarked vehicles, locally known as ‘drones,’ to unofficial locations referred to as ‘safe houses,’ where they are held incommunicado. Such practices violate international law, which requires individuals to be detained in officially recognized facilities.
The High Commissioner cited several prominent cases, including the appearance of an opposition leader’s bodyguard in court, visibly shaken and bearing signs of physical torture. He also mentioned the detention of Kenyan activists for over a month in a location described by the Ugandan President as a ‘refrigerator’.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation in Uganda as the elections approach. Increased scrutiny and pressure are being applied to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.
