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UN High Commissioner Volker Turk Condemns Uganda's Increasing Crackdown on Dissent and Opposition Groups

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk expressed concern over the escalating pressure on dissidents and opposition figures in Uganda. Turk stated that the authorities are increasingly targeting any form of dissent, which is creating a climate of fear and stifling public debate. This crackdown has intensified since the general elections on January 15, 2026, where Yoweri K Musevini was declared president for his seventh term. At least 50 opposition leaders and supporters, five journalists, and five human rights advocates have faced human rights violations, including arbitrary arrests and torture. The UN Human Rights office noted that 10 civil society organizations have been forcibly suspended or harassed. These developments occurred shortly after opposition leader Kizza Besigye collapsed and was hospitalized in an unresponsive state during a court hearing. Turk urged the Ugandan government to prevent military interference in civil institutions and to use its resources to uphold fundamental rights and build a human rights-centered economy.

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