What You Need to Know
Ugandan police have arrested prominent human rights activist Sarah Berit amid an escalating crackdown on political opposition as the country approaches its general elections scheduled for January 15. Berit, who frequently appears on local media, is being held by police and will face trial, although no specific charges or court dates have been disclosed. Her detention has drawn attention to the Ugm
Africa. Ugandan police have arrested a prominent human rights activist as President Yoweri Museveni’s government intensifies its crackdown on political opposition ahead of the general elections scheduled for January 15.
Police confirmed in a post on the platform “X” on Tuesday that “the director of a human rights organization and government critic, Sarah Berit, who frequently appears on local television and radio, has been arrested.”
The statement noted that “Berit is in police custody and will be presented for trial in due course,” without specifying when she would appear in court or the charges against her.
Berit, a lawyer and executive director of the Center for Constitutional Governance, has criticized a range of government actions, including what the opposition describes as “illegal detentions and torture of its supporters.”
Last month, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, condemned what he termed a “growing crackdown” on the opposition in Uganda, stating that “at least 550 supporters of the National Unity Party have been arrested this year.”
Uganda has a history of political repression, particularly against dissenting voices. Under President Yoweri Museveni’s long-standing rule, the government has faced criticism for its treatment of opposition figures and activists. The upcoming elections have heightened tensions, with authorities intensifying their efforts to suppress dissent and maintain control over the political landscape. Recent reports indicate a significant increase in arrests of opposition supporters, raising concerns about the fairness of the electoral process.
