The Uganda Police Force has confirmed the arrest of Dr. Sarah Bireete, a prominent civil rights activist and Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance.
Reports indicate that armed security personnel surrounded Dr. Bireete’s residence in Kampala at around 2:00pm before taking her into custody. She was later transferred to Central Police Station (CPS).
Dr. Bireete, a well-known lawyer and election observer, has been vocal in monitoring electoral processes and criticizing the growing militarisation of politics ahead of the 2026 general elections. By the time of her arrest, police had not disclosed any charges against her.
Confirming the development in a statement issued on the Uganda Police Force’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) spokesperson Rachel Kawala said Dr. Bireete is currently being held in police custody and will be produced in court in due course.
“The Uganda Police Force would like to confirm the arrest of Sarah Bireete, Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance. She is in police custody and will be arraigned before court in due course,” Kawala stated.
Police said investigations are ongoing, noting that details surrounding the arrest and possible charges will be communicated at a later time.
More updates will be shared as the story develops.
