By Ben Musanje
In a dramatic move Wednesday, Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) headed by Mariam Wangadya visited Natete Police Station to check on the detention of Dr. Sarah Bireete, Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG).
Through their X, UHRC confirmed that Bireete is in police custody but has had access to her lawyers and has recorded a statement. The Commission is pushing for any charges against her to be handled quickly and lawfully, in line with due process. UHRC vowed to closely monitor the case though it didn’t give more details about Bireete’s arrest.
Meanwhile, security agencies are on high alert ahead of a women-led protest planned in Kampala on New Year’s Day, demanding Bireete’s release. It is alleged that the protest is expected to start from Natete, a busy suburb in western Kampala, and March toward the city center.
The demonstration is being organized by prominent women activists, including Edith Grace Ssempala (Alliance for National Transformation), Rita Kase (Women of Uganda Network), and Flavia Nabagabe Kalule (NUP Women’s League).
According to sources, the protest aims to show solidarity with Bireete, express anger over her detention, and pressure authorities for her release. Funds have reportedly been raised to help transport participants and provide small allowances, though this has not been independently verified.
Opposition parties, including the National Unity Platform, Alliance for National Transformation, Forum for Democratic Change, and People’s Front for Freedom, are also expected to support the demonstration.
The case of Sarah Bireete has sparked heated debate among civil society, human rights defenders, and politicians, who are calling for respect for freedom of expression and due process in Uganda. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
