HRW condemns abduction of government critics by Uganda military – JURIST
Human Rights Watch on Thursday raised concerns about the arbitrary detention of government critics by the Ugandan military, stating that authorities detain individuals in undisclosed locations and then transfer them to civilian authorities for politically motivated prosecutions. The organization said the bans are part of a wider campaign against opposition figures, lawyers, journalists and independent media.
HRW Deputy Africa Director Carine Kaneza Nantulya commented on the alleged human rights abuses committed by the military, stating: “No military officer should be able to commit serious violations with impunity… Uganda’s partners must urgently pressure the government of President (Yoweri) Museveni to end these abuses, hold those responsible and ensure accountability.”
According to HRW, Ugandan security forces have illegally arrested at least five critics of President Museveni and his son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the chief of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), since mid-June 2026. The military has also surrounded the premises of the largest media and television organization Uganda Media Group. operations.
Among the cases documented was the June 15 detention of lawyer Erias Lukwago, who represents opposition politician Kizza Besigye in treason proceedings. Armed soldiers reportedly raided Lukwago’s home and took him to an undisclosed location.
Lukwago was transferred to police custody two days later, charged with treason-related offenses in connection with Besigye’s case and remanded in custody. Kenyan lawyer and former justice minister Martha Karua, Besigye’s top adviser, was arrested after traveling to Uganda to observe Lukwago’s court proceedings. However, the authorities later deported him to Kenya.
Security forces also allegedly arrested activist Miria Matembe, journalist Timothy Kalyegira, National Unity Platform vice president Muwanga Kivumbi and opposition supporter Andrew Nabimanya. Some revealed abuses suffered while in detention, such as humiliation by being forced to strip naked, pressured to hand over DNA samples and constant threats. Kalyegira was accused of using his digital platforms to share sensitive government information, a charge he says is politically motivated because of his role as a whistleblower in exposing corruption involving senior government officials.
The reported bans follow that of Museveni aPPROVAL THE UPDF Amendment Actlegislation that allows military courts to exercise jurisdiction over civilians in certain circumstances. Rights groups have criticized the act for its role in violating basic human rights, weakening constitutional independence and existing in defiance of the decision of Attorney General v. Hon. Michael Kabazigurukawhich ruled that civilians are not allowed to undergo military trials.
Previously, Uganda’s security forces have been criticized for their use of excessive force against civilians, such as tear gas, pepper spray, arbitrary arrests and beatings.
HRW said the bans could be breached Constitution of Uganda and the obligations of the state according to African Charter on Human and People’s RightsInternational Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)AND Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
