Uganda joined the rest of the world to mark International Human Rights Day on December 10, with officials and civil society groups warning that the rising political temperature ahead of the 2026 general elections risks undermining the country’s democratic space.
During joint national celebrations held in Kampala, the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC), United Nations, African Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture Victims (ACTV), Uganda Police Force, Electoral Commission, and several civil society organisations pledged to work more closely to prevent the violations that have historically accompanied election periods.
This year’s commemoration ran under the theme “Play Your Role in Strengthening Uganda’s Democratic Space”, a message speakers said should guide both state agencies and political actors as campaigns intensify across the country.
UHRC chairperson Mariam Wangadya said the commission had, at the start of the campaign season, observed largely peaceful engagements, but noted a rise in alleged violations in recent weeks.
“At first, the campaigns were peaceful, but these days the commission has witnessed some form of human rights abuses, especially against the opposition,” Wangadya said. She urged security agencies to work closely with all presidential candidates to minimise clashes and avoid excessive use of force.
Rev Augustine Musiwufu, who represented the ACTV board chair, called on the UHRC to urgently investigate abuses emerging from the ongoing campaigns and ensure justice for victims.
“Security agencies should refrain from partisan conduct during elections and be seen to facilitate the enjoyment of the right to freedom of expression, assembly and association, as opposed to regulating these rights and freedoms,” he said.
He also urged the EC to provide a level playing field for all candidates.
Leonard Zulu, the United Nations representative in Uganda, said the country must safeguard the basic freedoms that allow citizens to participate meaningfully in political processes.
“Ugandans need a free and fair environment that is free of violence to protect human rights at all levels,” he said. Zulu added that citizens should use legal channels to seek redress and avoid confrontations that can easily escalate into political violence.
Speaker after speaker called for political parties to promote dialogue, tolerance, and mechanisms for handling disputes, particularly as campaign activities peak. They also encouraged parties to ensure survivors of torture and violence have access to timely medical and psychosocial support.
Civil society representatives said the coming weeks will be a major test of Uganda’s commitment to upholding rights during elections. They warned that incidents of brutality, arbitrary arrests, and restrictions on freedom of assembly could erode public trust in state institutions.
