By Staff Correspondent.
Recent reports indicate that Dr. Sarah Bireete was arrested amid a crackdown on government critics in Uganda. This has drawn widespread attention to the ongoing situation in the country. News of her arrest amid this crackdown continues to dominate headlines. Dr. Sarah Bireete arrested amid the crackdown highlights growing tensions.
KAMPALA—Dr. Sarah Bireete, the Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG) and one of Uganda’s most prominent constitutional scholars, is currently being held in police custody. This situation is sparking renewed concern over shrinking civic space. The treatment of dissenting voices in the country during this difficult period for government critics is worrying. Her arrest amid a crackdown has significant implications on government critics in Uganda.
Dr. Bireete, a respected legal mind and long-time advocate for constitutionalism, rule of law, and democratic accountability, has been a fierce and consistent critic of the Museveni administration. Over the years, she has openly challenged what she describes as the militarisation of civilian governance. She also talks about the politicisation of security forces, and the erosion of constitutional safeguards. Her arrest amid the crackdown highlights the ongoing tension. Dr. Sarah Bireete arrested amid the government’s actions sends a potent message. It underscores the risks faced by government critics in Uganda.
Her detention comes just weeks after she delivered a widely circulated and emotionally charged public address condemning what she termed “escalating lawlessness and routine abuse by security forces.” The speech, delivered at a civic forum in Kampala, has since resurfaced online. It reignited a national debate about governance, accountability, and freedom of expression in Uganda amidst these ongoing crackdowns involving government critics.
“When the gun replaces the Constitution as the ultimate authority, the state itself becomes lawless,” Dr. Bireete warned in the speech delivered two weeks ago.
A Pattern of Dissent — and Consequence
Although police have yet to issue a detailed public explanation outlining the specific charges or reasons for her detention, legal observers and civil society actors argue that Dr. Bireete’s arrest fits into a broader pattern of intimidation against outspoken critics of the state in Uganda.
In recent months, Dr. Bireete had intensified her criticism of senior government and military figures, including the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. Through public lectures, media appearances, and policy briefs, she questioned the growing influence of the military in civilian affairs. She warned of what she described as “constitutional backsliding under the cover of national security.” Her case of being arrested amid a crackdown underscores the serious implications unfolding among government critics.
“Silencing critics does not create stability; it only deepens mistrust and fear,” she said during her recent address.
Her remarks struck a chord with many Ugandans, particularly young professionals, lawyers, and activists. They see her as a rare voice of principled resistance grounded in law rather than partisan politics.
Speech That Rekindled a National Debate
The speech now at the center of public attention has been widely shared across social media platforms, drawing both praise and condemnation. In it, Dr. Bireete accused security agencies of operating with impunity. She warned that unchecked power posed a direct threat to Uganda’s constitutional order amid the crackdown on government critics in Uganda.
“No nation can call itself sovereign when its citizens live in fear of those meant to protect them,” she declared.
Since news of her detention broke, hashtags calling for her release have begun circulating online. Several civil society organizations have issued statements demanding due process, transparency, and immediate access to legal counsel.
Chilling Effect on Civic Space
Human rights advocates argue that Dr. Bireete’s detention sends a chilling message to academics, lawyers, and activists who engage in critical discourse. The arrest amid the crackdown illustrates the risks faced by government critics in Uganda. Dr. Sarah Bireete arrested amid this scenario defines the broader implications for society.
“This is not just about Dr. Bireete,” said one civil society leader who requested anonymity for security reasons. “It is about whether Ugandans are still free to question power without risking arrest.”
Legal analysts also note that holding a prominent constitutional expert without clear charges undermines public confidence in law enforcement institutions. It raises questions about the independence of the justice system.
Awaiting Clarity
As of publication, police had not confirmed when Dr. Bireete would be formally charged or presented before court. Her lawyers are reportedly seeking access, while supporters continue to call for her immediate release. The circumstances of Dr. Sarah Bireete arrested amid the crackdown will likely intensify scrutiny.
“The Constitution is not a favour from those in power; it is a shield for the people,” Dr. Bireete said in her now-viral speech — words that many now see as both a warning and a prophecy.
Her continued detention is likely to intensify scrutiny of the government’s approach to dissent. Particularly as Uganda moves deeper into a politically sensitive period. For many observers, the question is no longer whether debate has been reignited, but how far the state is willing to go to silence it during this crackdown on government critics in Uganda.
— The Pearl of Africa News
