14/01/2026
CALL FOR TRANSPARENCY, FREE AND FAIR ELECTIONS IN UGANDA
As the people of Uganda head to the polls tomorrow, 15 January 2026, we issue this urgent and principled call to all relevant authorities to ensure a transparent, credible, free, and fair electoral process, conducted in full respect of democratic values and fundamental human rights.
Over the past several months, there have been deeply troubling reports of systematic intimidation, excessive use of force, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the suppression of political opposition, particularly targeting supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and its presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine).
We express grave concern over:
The deployment of security agencies to obstruct opposition campaigns and peaceful assemblies.
The shutdown of telecommunications, social media platforms, and internet services, aimed at restricting access to information and shielding electoral processes from public and international scrutiny
The harassment, detention, and disappearance of political actors and supporters without due process.
The historical precedent of the 2021 general election, which was marred by widespread allegations of ballot stuffing, vote buying, result manipulation, and documented cases of polling stations reporting implausible voter turnout figures
We stress that the will of the people cannot be suppressed by force, fear, or coercion. Any attempt to subvert the freely expressed choice of Ugandan citizens risks plunging the country into further instability, insecurity, and democratic regression.
We therefore call upon:
1- The Uganda Electoral Commission to conduct the election with independence, impartiality, transparency, and strict adherence to the law.
2- Security agencies to uphold their constitutional duty to protect citizens and electoral integrity, and to refrain from political bias or the use of excessive force.
3- The Government of Uganda to respect the Constitution, the rule of law, and internationally recognized human rights standards.
4- Regional and international observers, including the African Union (AU), East African Community (EAC), United Nations (UN), and the Commonwealth, to maintain robust monitoring and to speak out against any violations of electoral standards.
5- Media organizations, both local and international, to continue reporting truthfully and courageously despite intimidation and restrictions.
Democracy is not a privilege granted by those in power; it is a fundamental right of the people. The ballot is the voice of the citizen, and to silence that voice is to endanger peace, stability, and the future of the nation.
We urge all stakeholders to choose peace over violence, justice over repression, and transparency over secrecy.
May Uganda emerge from this election with its democratic integrity preserved and the will of its people respected.
Amnesty International
Amnistía Internacional México
United Nations
United Nations Youth
Donald J. Trump
Uganda Media Centre
U.S. Embassy Uganda
NTV Uganda
FRANCE 24
Al Jazeera English
Amb Assalafy Ringim
Chief Executive Officer
New World Youth Foundation NWYF
14th January, 2026.