Uganda Orders Rights Groups to Halt Activities Days Before Election

Uganda’s government has ordered two local human rights organisations to suspend their work days before the presidential election, official notices showed on Tuesday, raising concerns about civic space ahead of voting.

The Interior Ministry directed the Human Rights Awareness and Promotion Forum and the Human Rights and Peace Centre to cease operations, citing unspecified threats to national security and public order. The groups are known for documenting rights violations and advising citizens on legal protections.

Government officials said the decision was taken to maintain peace and security during the election period, a time when authorities often impose temporary restrictions on activities perceived as politically sensitive.

The directive comes amid reports from the United Nations Human Rights Office and other observers of an increasingly constrained environment for civil society in Uganda, including allegations of arrests and restrictions on opposition supporters and activists in recent weeks.

Uganda’s presidential election is scheduled for January 14, with long-serving President Yoweri Museveni seeking another term. The decision to halt the operations of the two rights organisations adds to broader concerns about freedom of expression and association as the vote approaches.

The affected groups have not yet issued public statements in response to the order, and it was unclear how the suspensions would be enforced or what legal challenges might be pursued.

SOURCE: Reuters