ACTV, CAT Call for Torture-Free 2026 Elections Amid Rising Violence

The African Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (ACTV), in partnership with the Coalition Against Torture (CAT), has urged political actors, security agencies, and the general public to commit to peaceful and torture-free elections ahead of Uganda’s 2025/2026 general elections.

During a press briefing held on Thursday, the two human rights organisations decried the persistent incidents of election-related violence and torture, warning of worsening trends based on data from past electoral cycles.

ACTV reported a steady increase in torture cases during election years, with a 20% rise noted during the 2021 general elections.

“This trend cannot continue unchecked,” said ACTV officials. “A free and fair election must also be free from torture, inhumane and degrading treatment.”

The call comes after violent incidents in recent political activities, including the March 13, 2025 Kawempe by-election where at least five individuals, including journalists, suffered serious injuries due to election-related violence.

ACTV said it treated the survivors and condemned the attacks.

The organisations also cited violence during the National Resistance Movement (NRM) internal voting exercises in districts such as Kampala, Sembabule, Masaka, Sironko, and Mityana, coupled with rising cases of online harassment, as signs of a deteriorating political environment.

Despite Uganda having a robust legal framework including the 1995 Constitution, the Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act, and various electoral laws ACTV noted these laws are routinely flouted, particularly during election periods.

“Section 2 of the Prevention and Prohibition of Torture Act criminalises all forms of torture. However, enforcement is often lax, allowing impunity to thrive,” ACTV emphasised.

The mental health toll of such violence was also highlighted.

According to ACTV’s psychological assessments, 71% of survivors from the 2021–2022 elections exhibited psychological trauma, with some developing conditions such as PTSD, depression, insomnia, anxiety disorders, and even suicidal ideation.

ACTV and the Coalition Against Torture (CAT) have outlined a six-point strategy aimed at curbing torture and violence ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections.

First, they plan to conduct sensitisation sessions for security agencies on human rights and the prevention of torture.

Secondly, they will engage various communities in dialogues promoting peaceful electoral processes.

Third, ACTV and CAT will hold advocacy meetings with political parties and relevant state agencies to reinforce commitments to non-violence.

Fourth, they intend to document allegations of torture before, during, and after the elections to support survivors in seeking justice.

The fifth intervention involves providing continued treatment and rehabilitation services to survivors of election-related torture and violence.

Lastly, they will roll out mental health awareness campaigns to address the psychological impacts of election trauma and promote help-seeking behaviour.

The organisations also called on other stakeholders to take active roles in ensuring peaceful elections.

Political actors were urged to foster dialogue, exercise tolerance, and refrain from inciting violence.

The Electoral Commission was asked to develop and implement a clear framework to prevent torture and violence during elections.

Security agencies were reminded to adhere to constitutional and international human rights standards throughout the electoral process.

The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) was encouraged to step up civic education on citizens’ rights and responsibilities in elections.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) was urged to enhance its capacity to prosecute torture-related cases and to adopt a trauma-informed approach in investigations.

Journalists were called upon to report impartially and expose human rights abuses while using trauma-sensitive storytelling practices.

Finally, the general public was encouraged to advocate for their rights through legal and peaceful means.

ACTV called for a nationwide commitment to uphold human dignity and prevent torture, emphasising that peaceful elections are essential for strengthening democracy, governance, and the rule of law.