By Ben Musanje
The Uganda Feminist Forum (UFF) has condemned what it describes as an escalating crackdown on civic freedoms and the targeted intimidation of women activists, journalists, lawyers and human rights defenders, calling on the government to end what it termed “state repression” and uphold constitutional rights.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the coalition expressed “deep concern” over what it said was a growing pattern of unlawful arrests, surveillance, office raids, abductions and public threats that have intensified following the 2026 presidential and parliamentary elections.
The forum accused state security agencies of shrinking civic space and using intimidation to silence dissent, warning that Uganda was experiencing an “alarming escalation” in attacks on human rights and democratic participation.
“We refuse the normalization of military violence, threats, abuse of power and public intimidation as tools of governance. Uganda cannot be ruled through silence and fear, and no public official, military or civilian, is above the Constitution,” the statement reads.
The group singled out recent incidents it says illustrate a sustained pattern of repression against women leaders and civil society actors.
Among the cases cited was the arrest and prosecution of veteran politician and women’s rights advocate Dr. Miria Matembe, who was charged with sectarianism following a raid on her home. Although she was later granted bail, the forum called for equal treatment of all detainees it described as being held on politically motivated charges.
The statement also referenced the June 28 shutdown of Nation Media Group Uganda outlets, including Monitor, NTV, Dembe FM and KFM, the detention of feminist activist Eunice Musiime alongside human rights defender Dr. Sarah Bireete, and the raid on the offices of Akina Mama wa Afrika.
The coalition further criticized the decision to deny Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua entry into Uganda, noting that she was travelling to represent opposition figure Dr. Kizza Besigye and his co-accused Obed Lutale.
According to the forum, the incidents demonstrate not only a broader assault on civic freedoms but also the gendered nature of repression, arguing that women who participate in public life are increasingly being subjected to threats, surveillance and intimidation.
The group said democracy can only thrive where citizens are free to express their views, organise peacefully and hold leaders accountable without fear of retaliation.
It urged the government to immediately halt arbitrary arrests, media intimidation, office raids and restrictions on activists, while calling for independent investigations into allegations of abuse by security agencies.
The coalition also appealed to President Yoweri Museveni, Parliament and other state institutions to uphold constitutional guarantees on freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, and ensure accountability for officials accused of rights violations.
In addition, the forum called on regional bodies, diplomatic missions, human rights organisations and the international community to speak out against what it described as growing repression in Uganda.
The joint statement was issued to the media forums by Immaculate Owomugisha, Executive Director of the Centre for Women Justice Uganda (CWJU), on behalf of the Uganda Feminist Forum.
The statement reflects the position of the Uganda Feminist Forum. The government and security agencies have previously defended their actions in various cases as being carried out within the law or in the interest of national security. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
