Human Rights Watch on Thursday raised concerns surrounding the arbitrary detention of government critics by the Ugandan military, stating that the authorities hold the individuals in undisclosed locations and subsequently transfer them to civilian authorities for politically motivated prosecutions. The organization said the detentions form part of a broader campaign against opposition figures, lawyers, journalists, and independent media.
HRW Deputy Africa Director Carine Kaneza Nantulya commented on the alleged human rights violations perpetrated by the military, stating: “No military officer should be able to carry out serious violations with impunity…Uganda’s partners should urgently press President Museveni’s government to end these abuses, uphold the rule of law, and ensure accountability for those responsible.”
According to HRW, Ugandan security forces have unlawfully detained at least five critics of President Yoweri Museveni and his son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), since mid-June 2026. The military has also surrounded the premises of Nation Media Group, Uganda’s largest independent media organization, reportedly forcing its television and newspaper to cease operations.
Among the documented cases was the June 15 detention of lawyer Erias Lukwago, who represents opposition politician Kizza Besigye in treason proceedings. Armed soldiers reportedly raided Lukwago’s home and took him to an undisclosed location.
Lukwago was transferred to police custody two days later, charged with treason-related offenses connected to Besigye’s case, and remanded in pretrial detention. Kenyan lawyer and former justice minister Martha Karua, the lead counsel for Besigye, was detained after traveling to Uganda to observe Lukwago’s court proceedings. However, authorities later deported her to Kenya.
Security forces also allegedly detained activist Miria Matembe, journalist Timothy Kalyegira, National Unity Platform deputy president Muwanga Kivumbi, and opposition supporter Andrew Nabimanya. He revealed the extent of abuse suffered during his detainment, such as being humiliated by being forced to strip naked, pressured to surrender DNA samples, and repeatedly threatened. He was later charged with utilizing his digital platforms to share sensitive government information, a charge he says is politically motivated due to his role as a whistleblower in exposing corruption involving top government officials.
The reported detentions follow Museveni’s approval of the UPDF Amendment Act, legislation permitting military courts to exercise jurisdiction over civilians in specified circumstances. Rights groups have criticized the act for its role in undermining fundamental human rights, weakening constitutional independence, and existing in contravention of the ruling of Attorney General v. Hon. Michael Kabaziguruka, which ruled that civilians are not allowed to be subjected to military trials.
Previously, Ugandan security forces have been criticized for their use of excessive force against civilians, such as tear gas, pepper spray, arbitrary arrests, and beatings.
HRW said the detentions may violate Uganda’s Constitution and the state’s obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
