The United Nations has issued a stern warning to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni over the detention of activists and opposition figures ahead of next month’s general elections.
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk expressed deep concern over what he described as “arbitrary apprehension and detention” of political opponents and civil society activists in Uganda.
Türk highlighted a worrying pattern of human rights violations, including enforced disappearances and alleged acts of torture.
Türk’s comments come amid growing international alarm over Uganda’s crackdown on dissent ahead of the January 2026 polls.
According to the UN, the government’s actions undermine fundamental freedoms, violate international human rights norms, and threaten the democratic process.
A particularly alarming case cited by the UN involves two Kenyan activists, Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo.
The activists were reportedly detained in Kampala on October 1, following their participation in an opposition rally.
They remained in custody for nearly 40 days before being released.
The incident sparked controversy after Museveni admitted in November that the two Kenyans had been held in a “fridge,” contradicting prior court submissions denying the detention.
The UN accused the president of orchestrating the abduction, allegedly with the involvement of his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who commands Uganda’s military forces.
“In a recent case, two Kenyan activists, who were arbitrarily detained in Uganda shortly after attending an opposition rally in October, exemplify the increasingly hostile environment faced by those expressing dissent,” Türk stated.
Human rights observers argue that such incidents reflect a broader pattern of repression aimed at stifling opposition voices ahead of elections.
Critics say that intimidation tactics, including arbitrary arrests and disappearances, threaten the integrity of Uganda’s democratic process and contravene both regional and international human rights obligations.
The UN’s warning signals a growing scrutiny of Uganda’s electoral conduct, with international bodies emphasizing that the rights of political activists and opposition leaders must be respected.
Failure to adhere to these standards could have serious diplomatic repercussions and further isolate the country on the international stage.
The world will be watching closely to see whether Museveni’s government respects democratic principles or continues a pattern of political repression.
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