The United Nations Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, has issued a strong warning to Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni over what he described as increasing cases of unlawful arrests and detention of activists and opposition figures in the country.
In a detailed statement released on Wednesday, December 4, Volker expressed deep concern about Uganda’s growing crackdown on political dissent ahead of the general elections scheduled for next month.
He accused the Ugandan government of repeatedly violating fundamental freedoms through illegal arrests, enforced disappearances, and acts of torture targeting activists and supporters of the opposition.
Volker highlighted the troubling case of two Kenyan activists — Bob Njagi and Nicholas Oyoo — who mysteriously disappeared in Kampala on October 1. The two were reportedly held secretly for close to 40 days before finally being released.
Despite denying involvement in court, President Museveni later admitted in November that the activists had indeed been held by the state, even referring to their hidden location as “the fridge.”
The UN Human Rights Chief criticised Museveni for allegedly coordinating the abduction with the help of his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who serves as the head of Uganda’s military.
Volker explained that the detention of the two Kenyans was just one example of the government’s disturbing pattern of silencing voices seen to challenge authority.
“In one recent case, two Kenyan activists were taken into custody shortly after attending an opposition rally in October,” Volker said. “They were eventually handed over to Kenyan officials after more than a month of being held incommunicado in what the Ugandan President himself called ‘the fridge.’”
Volker also referenced another worrying incident from May, when Muhoozi posted on X that he had allegedly detained the bodyguard of opposition leader Bobi Wine in his “basement.” After public pressure mounted, the bodyguard was brought before the court—clearly frightened, trembling, and showing visible signs of torture. Shockingly, the court did not question or address the signs of abuse.
According to Volker, many more opposition supporters remain in custody, some having been detained for over four years because of their involvement in political activities during previous elections.
Condemning what he termed growing lawlessness and repression in Uganda, the UN rights chief urged the Museveni administration to begin immediate investigations into all cases of enforced disappearances, torture, illegal arrests, and extended detentions.
He further demanded that Uganda respect and protect freedom of expression, especially following several recent incidents where journalists and media outlets have been restricted or targeted.
Volker emphasized that the Ugandan government must uphold basic human rights and ensure that citizens, activists, and journalists can engage in political and public life without fear of persecution.
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