Dr. Sarah Bireete set for court appearance today

KAMPALA, Uganda — Dr. Sarah Bireete, the executive director of the Center for Constitutional Governance, is expected to appear before the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court on Friday following her arrest earlier this week.

Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Luke Oweyesigire confirmed that Bireete would be produced in court today. The prominent human rights lawyer and election observer was taken into custody on Dec. 30 after security forces, including police and military personnel, surrounded her residence in Kampala.

The arrest has drawn significant attention from civil society and international monitors as Uganda prepares for general elections on Jan. 15. Shortly before her detention, Bireete posted on social media that her home was under siege.

While police have confirmed she is in custody, they have not yet officially disclosed the specific charges against her. Legal representatives for Bireete said they have not been served with a formal charge sheet, though sources suggest the allegations may involve cyber-related offenses.

Bireete has been an outspoken critic of the government and a leading voice for electoral integrity. Days before her arrest, she publicly urged Ugandans to consider satellite internet services as a safeguard against potential internet shutdowns during the upcoming polls. She also recently criticized security protocols during presidential campaign stops.

The Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors and other rights groups have expressed concern over her detention, calling for transparency and the respect of her constitutional rights.

Opposition leaders have condemned the move, describing it as part of a recurring pattern of intimidation against civic leaders during election cycles. Bireete serves as the chairperson of the East and Horn of Africa Election Observation Network and is a member of the board for several international monitoring organizations.