A coalition of regional civil society organisations has strongly criticised Uganda’s January 15 election, calling it a “state-sponsored assault on the sovereignty of the citizen” and describing the process as violent and deeply flawed.
The Pan-African Solidarity Group, in a statement issued on January 16, called for the immediate release of opposition presidential candidate Bobi Wine from house arrest, and highlighted widespread intimidation, abductions, and alleged electoral manipulation.
"Thursday's general election was conducted under the most repressive conditions in Uganda's modern history. The environment was defined by a calculated internet shutdown intended to blindfold the world and a direct gag order on the media to prevent the announcement of results from polling stations," the group said.
"This was an election held in a state of siege, where the regime signalled that it fears the truth of the ballot box more than it respects the Constitution."
The coalition reported that at least 13 people were killed during an assault on the home of opposition Deputy President for Buganda, Muwanga Kivumbi. They accused security forces of using excessive force to intimidate citizens and silence opposition voices.
The statement also raised alarm over the deployment of a government-funded militia known as the “Ghetto Brigade,” which, the group said, operated under military supervision to instill fear among voters and opposition supporters.
"We call out the military and police leadership for the ultimate betrayal of their constitutional mandate by allowing the operation of this militia. Funded directly by the State House, this group has caused mayhem, beating citizens and terrorising voters to ensure low turnout and instil fear," the civil rights group said.
The coalition condemned the pre-election internet blackout, calling it a deliberate tactic to hide human rights abuses and block independent observation. They also pointed to serious flaws in voter registration and election administration.
"Leading up to the polls, the Electoral Commission demonstrated a total collapse of independence and competence. The National Voter Register was riddled with discrepancies, including deceased persons and multiple entries, while the National Resistance Movement (NRM) absurdly claimed 20.1 million members out of a total 21.6 million registered voters. The institutional sabotage included the fraudulent 'de-nomination' of over 20 National Unity Platform (NUP) candidates and the creation of 'unopposed' seats for ruling party contenders," the statement added.
The group documented the abduction of opposition figures, including Lina Zedriga, Bright Muhumuza, and Jackline Jolly Tukamushaba, and reported multiple irregularities with the Electoral Commission’s procedures. Biometric voter verification devices reportedly failed in several districts, forcing manual voting, which the coalition described as “an open invitation for fraud.”
The coalition demanded that the Ugandan government disband the Ghetto Brigade, free political detainees, and restore internet access and freedom of movement.
"To the Observers: East African Community (EAC), African Union (AU), Southern African Development Community (SADC), the era of 'diplomatic observation' is over. We insist that you report the brutal, unvarnished reality—the blood in Butambala, the 180% returns in military barracks, and the manufactured results in Kyankwanzi, and other locations," it said.
It also called on the international community to investigate the alleged electoral crimes and consider sanctions, warning that silence or weak condemnation would support actions that undermine democracy in Uganda.
Opposition leader Bobi Wine has publicly rejected the provisional results, describing them as “fake” and accusing authorities of orchestrating intimidation to influence the election.
