12 February 2026
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) condemns the conduct of Uganda’s recent general elections, which was marked by widespread repression and intimidation of opposition members and critics as well as an internet blackout.
The ICJ calls on the Ugandan authorities to take immediate and concrete steps to restore the rule of law, including by ending the practice of internet shutdowns.
“Uganda has a history of shutting down the internet, and blocking social media and communication platforms during election periods. The use of internet shutdowns has become a tool of the Ugandan authorities during elections,” said Kaajal Ramjathan-Keogh, Director of the ICJ’s Africa Programme.
Credible reports of election-related violence, intimidation, military involvement in electoral processes, restrictions on opposition activities, media bias, and the suspension of internet access gravely undermined transparency, political participation, and public confidence in the electoral process. The internet shutdown implemented by the Ugandan Communications Commission, contravenes Uganda’s international human rights obligations to ensure the rights to freedom of expression and information and public participation.
Similar shutdowns were put into operation in 2016 and 2021 and now in 2026.
“It is fundamental to retain access to the internet so that Ugandans can access information, report irregularities, and participate meaningfully in democratic processes. The credibility of the electoral process, and the rights of Ugandans, depend on it,” said Ramhathan-Keogh.
The ICJ is concerned at the allegedly arbitrary arrest and detention on 30 December 2025 of election monitor Dr. Sarah Bireete, founding Partner and Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG), a Ugandan constitutional and governance watchdog dedicated to promoting electoral integrity. She has been a vocal critic of the involvement of security forces in politics and was arrested while actively monitoring preparations for the 2026 elections. She was charged under the Data Protection and Privacy Act, Cap 97, for the alleged unlawful disclosure of personal data and pleaded not guilty. Her bail was granted only after the elections, effectively preventing her from carrying out her election-monitoring and civic engagement duties.
The ICJ is also concerned that Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission commended the electoral process, even though its electoral observers expressed concerns about the vote.
The ICJ therefore, urges the Government of Uganda to ensure a prompt, independent and impartial investigation of all allegations of election related human rights violations, including abductions, unlawful killings, with a view to bringing to those responsible to justice. The Government must also protect fundamental freedoms, particularly in the digital space, including freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly, and access to information, and refrain from imposing internet shutdowns or communications restrictions.
Contact
Kaajal Ramjathan-Keogh
Africa Director Kaajal.Keogh@icj.org