As the 2026 general elections draw closer, the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) and partners have called for strict observance of electoral laws and the protection of human rights.
“Uganda has robust electoral laws like the Constitution, the Electoral Commission Act, the Presidential Elections Act, and the Political Parties and Organizations Act, among others. These legal instruments are designed to ensure peaceful, fair, and inclusive elections. But laws alone are not enough because they must be held, and accountability must follow breach,”
This call comes against the backdrop of the violent elections held recently, such as the Kawempe North Member of Parliament by-election.
On Thursday, June 19, the commission organized elections for village youth committees across the country. However, the polls were marred with violence by security forces against members of supporters of the opposition.
The biggest opposition party, National Unity Platform (NUP), has since announced that it will take legal action against individual security personnel who unleashed brutality on its members and supporters.
Kaheru said that although the country has several laws aimed at conducting peaceful elections, many times, polls are marred by violence.
Human rights organizations have warned against rising human rights violations in Uganda. Several other concerns have been raised about the shrinking civic space in the country
The Uganda Human Rights Commission said that although there are some improvements registered in Uganda’s electoral processes, acts of torture tend to increase during periods of political contestation. The commission advised security organs to prioritize security while respecting human rights.
“Law enforcement must operate with restraint, professionalism, and absolute respect for human dignity. Survivors of torture often suffer from long-term psychological effects—depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health conditions. These are injuries that are invisible but no less real. Uganda’s limited access to mental health care only deepens this crisis.”
“We urge the government of Uganda to reaffirm its zero-tolerance policy on torture. This commitment must translate into swift investigations, transparent legal processes, and real consequences for those who violate human rights, regardless of rank or role,” he said.
Nsubuga emphasized that every allegation of torture must be taken seriously, noting that silence breeds impunity while impunity destroys public trust.
“We call on all law enforcement and security agencies to act in line with Article 221 of the Constitution and international human rights standards. Upholding human rights is not a choice—it is a legal and moral duty.”
From the recently concluded Kawempe North by-election, Nansamba Mutumba, the UHRC Director in charge of complaints and investigations, revealed that they received a total of 11 complaints, 8 of which were from journalists and 3 from private citizens.
“We are in advanced stages of investigating the matter. We have recorded statements from complainants and witnesses. The matters are being handled by our officers at our central office in Naguru, and once everything is ready, we shall have them cause listed before the tribunal.”
About the torture allegations against NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, aka Bobi Wine’s personal bodyguard, Eddie Mutwe, Nansamba said that the commission played its part when it ordered his unconditional release.
Torture Victims (ACTV), the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders Uganda (NCHRD-U) will hold a series of events to commemorate this year’s celebrations.