Uganda Court Releases Rights Activist on Bail. Kampala, Uganda — A court in Uganda has granted bail to Sarah Bireete, a leading human rights activist who was detained ahead of the country’s general election, according to official statements. Bireete, the head of the Kampala-based Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG), was arrested on December 30 after questioning the accuracy of the voter register.
She was later charged with offenses linked to the alleged unlawful disclosure of voter information.
On Wednesday, Magistrate Winnie Nankya Jatiko ordered her release, stating that she had met all the conditions required for bail. Bireete’s arrest was met with criticism from rights groups, who viewed it as part of a broader crackdown on dissent in the lead-up to the January 15 election.
Both Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch had called for her immediate release, with the CCG suggesting she was being targeted for defending the rights of marginalized groups.
President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, was declared the winner of the election with 71. 6% of the vote.
Opposition leader Bobi Wine rejected the results and is currently in hiding, according to the military.
The Ugandan government denies accusations by opposition figures and rights groups that it uses security forces to silence critics. Further details regarding Bireete’s case and the broader political situation in Uganda are expected to emerge in the coming days.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
