Image: Habari Daily
Washington, D.C., January 02, 2026
Friends of Angola (FOA) expresses deep concern and solidarity with Dr. Sarah Bireete, a distinguished human rights lawyer and governance advocate, following her arrest by Ugandan police on 30 December 2025.
Dr. Bireete is the Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG) and a widely respected voice in the defense of constitutionalism, human rights, and civic space in Uganda and across Africa.
According to public reports, Dr. Bireete was detained in the lead-up to Uganda’s 15 January 2026 general elections, without publicly disclosed charges or a clear legal basis for her arrest. This raises serious concerns regarding due process, proportionality, and respect for fundamental freedoms.
Throughout her career, Dr. Bireete has demonstrated a strong commitment to democratic principles, public accountability, and citizen participation. Her arrest appears to form part of a broader pattern of actions aimed at shrinking civic space and silencing independent civil society voices, particularly during sensitive electoral periods.
Friends of Angola strongly condemns this arrest and calls for:
- The immediate and unconditional release of Dr. Sarah Bireete;
- Full respect for due process and the rule of law, including transparency regarding any allegations;
- An end to intimidation, harassment, and arbitrary detention of human rights defenders;
- The protection of civic space and fundamental freedoms in Uganda and across the African continent.
The arrest of a peaceful human rights defender sends a chilling message to civil society and undermines public trust in democratic institutions. Governments have a duty to uphold constitutional guarantees and international human rights obligations, especially during electoral processes.
Friends of Angola stands in solidarity with Dr. Sarah Bireete, her family, the Centre for Constitutional Governance, and all human rights defenders who continue to work courageously in restrictive environments.
We reaffirm our commitment to defending civil liberties, strengthening democratic institutions, and ensuring that human rights advocates can carry out their vital work free from fear, intimidation, or repression.
In solidarity,
Florindo Chivucute
Executive Director
Friends of Angola