“`html
Human Rights Watch recently expressed alarm over the increased detention of government critics by the Ugandan military. The rights group emphasized that the detainees are often held in undisclosed locations before being handed over for politically charged prosecutions, questioning the legality and ethicality of these actions. This development is viewed as part of a wider crackdown on opposition figures, journalists, and independent media in Uganda.
Carine Kaneza Nantulya, the Deputy Africa Director at Human Rights Watch, criticized these practices and urged international partners to hold the Ugandan government accountable. Nantulya stated, “No military officer should be able to carry out serious violations with impunity.” This call for action underscores the need for adherence to the rule of law and ensuring accountability for violations.
Reports from Human Rights Watch indicate that since mid-June 2026, at least five critics of President Yoweri Museveni and his son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the head of the Uganda People’s Defence Force, have been unlawfully detained. The military’s interference reportedly extended to surrounding the Nation Media Group, stifling one of the country’s key independent media outlets. Human Rights Watch detailed these events and highlighted the military’s role in undermining freedom of expression.
The case of Erias Lukwago, a lawyer representing opposition politician Kizza Besigye, exemplifies these concerns. On June 15, Lukwago’s home was raided, and he was taken into military custody. He was later charged with treason-related offenses, a move perceived as an attempt to stifle political dissent. Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua, intending to observe Lukwago’s trial, faced detention and deportation, reflecting the challenges faced by legal professionals in politically sensitive cases.
Further incidents involved the detainment of activist Miria Matembe, journalist Timothy Kalyegira, and others, suggesting a pattern of targeting voices critical of the government. Opposition supporter Andrew Nabimanya reported mistreatment during his detention, raising concerns about the violation of personal rights. Such accounts have drawn international attention and criticism of Uganda’s legal amendments that appear to erode civil liberties.
This situation unfolds against the backdrop of the UPDF Amendment Act, which expands military jurisdiction over civilians. Rights organizations argue this legislation undercuts human rights frameworks and contravenes Uganda’s legal commitments under international treaties. The act has been denounced for enabling military trials for civilians, contradicting a previous ruling against such practices.
International pressure mounts on Uganda to adhere to its constitutional obligations and uphold global human rights standards. The tension between maintaining national security and protecting individual freedoms remains a contentious issue for the Museveni administration.
“`