By Ben Musanje
The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has raised fresh concerns over the state of human rights, accountability and constitutional governance in Uganda, citing alleged abductions, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, attacks on journalists and restrictions on civic space during the first half of 2026.
The concerns are contained in the Uganda Law Society’s First and Second Quarter 2026 Rule of Law Report, launched at the society’s headquarters in Kampala.
Presenting the report, ULS Vice President Anthony Asiimwe said the January-to-June period was marked by significant political, legal and human rights developments, particularly in the context of the 2026 General Elections.
He said the reported violations reaffirmed the need for an independent legal profession and strong institutions capable of holding public power to account.
“As the National Bar Association, our responsibility extends beyond representing individual clients; we have a duty to uphold the Constitution, defend human rights and safeguard the principles of justice and the rule of law,” Asiimwe said.
Election period under scrutiny
The report paints a troubling picture of the electoral period, citing alleged excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests, restrictions on opposition campaigns and reported killings.
According to ULS, opposition campaign activities were blocked or violently dispersed in several districts, with security personnel accused of using teargas, live ammunition and arrests to disrupt political activities.
The society also documented several reported deaths during and around the election period, including killings in Butambala, Kayunga, Rubaga, Ssembabule and other areas.
ULS said the reported incidents raise questions about the protection of electoral rights, the accountability of security agencies and the ability of citizens and political actors to participate freely in democratic processes.
The report also cites the arrest of hundreds of opposition supporters following the elections, saying more than 500 suspects were reportedly arrested nationwide.
The society called for greater accountability and investigations into alleged abuses committed during the electoral period.
Abductions and disappearances
One of the most serious concerns highlighted in the report is what ULS describes as a disturbing pattern of abductions, arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances.
The report documents cases involving political actors, activists and lawyers who were allegedly seized by armed or masked security personnel and held in undisclosed locations before being produced in court.
Among the cases highlighted are those of NUP leaders Lina Zedriga Waru and Jolly Tukamushaba, former minister and human rights activist Miria Matembe, lawyer and former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, and former Butambala MP Muwanga Kivumbi.
The report also references Kenyan activists Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo, who were reportedly abducted in Uganda and held for 38 days before being released following diplomatic intervention.
ULS argues that holding suspects in undisclosed locations undermines constitutional guarantees relating to liberty, due process and access to legal representation.
The society recommends that security agencies immediately stop detaining people in unofficial locations and ensure that all arrests comply with constitutional requirements.
It also calls on the Judiciary and prosecutors to scrutinise cases involving suspects who are brought before court after periods of alleged incommunicado detention.
Pressure on media and online expression
The report also raises alarm over what it describes as increasing pressure on freedom of expression and the media.
ULS cites the nationwide internet shutdown during the January 2026 elections as having disrupted access to information, social media, messaging services and communication platforms.
The shutdown, according to the report, affected journalists’ ability to communicate with field reporters, transmit news and verify information in real time.
The society also documented cases of journalists being arrested, detained or assaulted while carrying out their professional duties.
Among those mentioned are journalists Judith Kukunda, Christine Nabatanzi and Margaret Zalwango, who were reportedly detained while covering proceedings at the General Court Martial.
The report also highlights the case of journalist Arnold Anthony Mukose, who was allegedly abducted after appearing on a radio talk show before being charged and later granted bail.
ULS further points to the temporary shutdown of Nation Media Group’s operations in June, saying the deployment of soldiers to its premises raised concerns about media independence and executive interference.
The society maintains that journalists should be protected while carrying out their professional duties and that criminal laws should not be selectively used to suppress criticism or legitimate public-interest reporting.
Civic space under pressure
Another area of concern is what ULS describes as the shrinking space for civil society organisations.
The report cites the January suspension of several organisations, including human rights and governance groups, by the National Bureau for Non-Governmental Organisations.
ULS says the suspensions raised questions about the transparency and accountability of regulatory decisions and their implications for freedom of association, expression and public participation.
The report also highlights the arrest and prosecution of human rights defender Dr Sarah Bireete, saying her detention around the election period raised concerns about the treatment of civil society actors.
According to ULS, a healthy democracy requires civil society organisations to operate freely and hold public institutions accountable.
Positive developments
Despite the concerns, the report also identifies several developments that ULS considers positive steps for the rule of law.
Among them is the 17 March 2026 Constitutional Court decision that nullified the Computer Misuse (Amendment) Act, 2022, after finding that its enactment did not comply with parliamentary procedure.
ULS says the ruling strengthened constitutional protection of freedom of expression and placed limits on the use of broadly framed criminal offences to regulate speech.
The report also highlights the Magistrates Courts (Amendment) Act, 2026, which increased the monetary jurisdiction of magistrates’ courts.
Under the reforms, Chief Magistrates can now handle civil disputes worth up to Shs200 million, while Magistrates can determine matters worth up to Shs100 million.
ULS says the changes could reduce case backlogs, lower litigation costs and bring justice closer to citizens.
The Employment (Amendment) Act, 2026 is also cited as a significant development, with new protections against unfair dismissal, workplace harassment and discrimination, alongside enhanced safeguards for vulnerable workers.
Bringing justice closer
The report further commends the establishment of eight regional Court of Appeal circuits in Arua, Fort Portal, Gulu, Jinja, Masaka, Mbale, Mbarara and Mubende.
ULS says decentralising appellate services could reduce the cost of litigation, shorten delays and improve access to justice outside Kampala.
The society also welcomed the establishment of the Wakiso High Court Circuit in Nabweru, which began operations in June 2026.
Another reform highlighted is the full operationalisation of the Electronic Court Case Management Information System (ECCMIS), which is intended to move courts towards paperless operations.
However, ULS cautions that digital justice must not create new barriers for rural, low-income or self-represented litigants.
The report cites a May 2026 readiness assessment which found significant challenges in accessing ECCMIS and limited levels of formal training among users.
Accountability and justice
ULS also welcomed investigations by the Inspectorate of Government into alleged corruption involving senior Parliament officials, including allegations concerning more than Shs37 billion.
The society said the investigation demonstrates the importance of independent oversight institutions in ensuring that no public institution is beyond scrutiny.
At the same time, it stressed that investigations and prosecutions must respect due process and the presumption of innocence.
The report also raises concerns about due process in the cases involving opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obeid Lutale, particularly regarding access to counsel of choice and bail.
ULS argues that pre-trial detention should remain exceptional and that access to state-funded representation should not automatically replace an accused person’s right to choose their lawyer.
A call for action
In its overall assessment, the Uganda Law Society says the report is not simply a record of violations and institutional developments but a call for vigilance, accountability and reform.
“The law must remain a shield for every person, irrespective of their political affiliation, status or circumstances,” Asiimwe said.
The society says Uganda’s rule of law depends on independent institutions, accountable public officials, protection of fundamental rights and citizens who can freely claim and defend those rights.
It is now calling on state institutions, the Judiciary, Parliament, civil society, the legal profession and the public to use the report’s findings as a basis for meaningful action.
For ULS, the challenge ahead is clear: ensuring that constitutional guarantees do not remain promises on paper, but are translated into practical protection for every Ugandan. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
