With less than a week to go before Uganda’s January 15 general elections, a coalition of regional civil society groups has raised urgent concerns over deteriorating conditions that could threaten a free and fair vote.
In a statement issued on January 8, the coalition highlighted a growing pattern of violence, restrictions on political participation, and heavy military involvement in what should be a civilian-led electoral process.
They warned that without immediate intervention, the elections could deepen political tensions and undermine public confidence in governance institutions.
The groups said opposition candidates and their supporters have faced repeated attacks, arbitrary arrests, and extended detentions.
"State security agencies are frequently identified as key perpetrators against civilians and opposition figures," the coalition noted, adding that the widespread use of force is normalizing violence instead of allowing elections to serve as a peaceful tool for political competition.
Some citizens have reportedly disappeared and remain missing, while a few fatalities have been linked to election-related mobilization.
Administrative obstacles have also narrowed voter choice. Opposition and independent candidates have faced sudden “de-nomination,” legal hurdles, and denied clearances, effectively excluding them from the ballot.
The coalition said such tactics damage public trust in the Electoral Commission and reinforce the perception of selective enforcement.
The pre-election environment has also been shaped by militarization. Armed forces are not only providing security but actively controlling movement, assembly, and political expression.
A senior officer at the UPDF’s fourth division in Gulu reportedly warned that voters who stay near polling stations after voting could face arrest or even be shot, despite laws permitting citizens to remain 20 meters away from booths.
The coalition said this level of securitization discourages women, youth, and first-time voters from participating openly.
Uganda’s judiciary has been described as increasingly politicized, with “cadre judges” presiding over prolonged trials and denying bail on mostly fabricated charges.
The case of Yasin Ssekitooleko, facing nearly five years of pre-trial detention over previous election-related arrests, was cited as an example of the system being used to silence dissent.
Media and civil society also face severe restrictions. Journalists are subjected to harassment, and media outlets operate under heavy regulatory pressure, which limits access to independent information.
Social media platforms like Facebook remain blocked from previous election cycles, and satellite internet services have complied with government restrictions.
Civil society leaders, including Dr. Sarah Bireete, have been arbitrarily arrested, sometimes held beyond 48 hours without charges, creating a climate of fear among watchdog organizations.
The coalition urged Ugandans to vote while prioritizing personal safety and to actively document violations for accountability. "Join hands with organisations to establish a movement for political accountability for Uganda beyond the 2026 elections," the statement said, emphasizing the need for a peaceful, citizen-led transition.
Authorities were warned to withdraw military personnel from civilian electoral spaces and uphold the law, while the international community was called on to denounce malpractice and support efforts to restore democratic norms.
The coalition stressed that the legitimacy of the elections will depend on both voting-day conduct and the broader pre-election environment.
