KAMPALA,Uganda: The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has sounded the alarm on escalating human rights abuses in the country’s electoral processes, citing grave concerns about the upcoming 2026 General Elections. At a press conference held today, ULS officials highlighted the persistent violations that have marred previous polls, including arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, and suppression of dissent.
“Uganda’s electoral processes have been characterized by persistent and grave human rights violations that undermine constitutionalism, democratic governance, and the rule of law,” said Mr. Isiko Arthur, ULS Treasurer.
The ULS has established an Election Watch and Rapid Response Mechanism to monitor the 2026 elections, with members serving as observers and legal monitors across the country. A standardized reporting template has been rolled out to document incidents and submit real-time data on human rights abuses.
“Conduct of free, fair, and credible elections is a central pillar of constitutional democracy and the rule of law,” said Asiimwe Anthony, ULS Vice President. “We urge all stakeholders to respect human rights and ensure a peaceful, transparent, and inclusive electoral process.”
The ULS’s concerns are backed by a history of electoral violence, including the 2021 General Elections, which saw widespread arbitrary arrests, abductions, and excessive use of force by security agencies, resulting in 54 deaths and hundreds of disappearances.
The society’s warnings come amid ongoing presidential campaigns marked by intimidation, violence, and allegations of electoral fraud.
The ULS’s Election Watch aims to safeguard human rights, promote electoral transparency, and ensure accountability for abuses.
