Police confirm arrest of Sarah Bireete as debate rages over traffic jam linked to president’s campaign

31 December 2025, 10:56 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Uganda Police Force has confirmed that lawyer, human rights defender and electoral observer Sarah Bireete was arrested by security operatives and is currently in their custody, adding that she will, in due course, be produced before court.

The confirmation was made yesterday through a statement on the police’s social media platforms, following growing public concern and alarm raised by Bireete’s friends and colleagues over her whereabouts after reports of her disappearance emerged.

Human rights activists and members of the public have since urged the police to always promptly communicate to relatives or legal representatives whenever a person is arrested. They argue that such communication is necessary to enable families and lawyers to seek bail where applicable and to effectively follow up cases once they are presented before courts of law, as provided for under Ugandan law.

Meanwhile, the Presidential Press Unit also yesterday issued a statement distancing President Yoweri Museveni’s convoy from the heavy traffic jam that was experienced along the Mpigi–Kampala Highway as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party presidential flag bearer returned from a campaign tour in Mpigi District.

In the statement, the press unit described claims linking the traffic gridlock on the Kampala–Masaka Road to the President’s convoy as false and misleading. While acknowledging that the delays were regrettable, the statement noted that limited and time-bound road closures during presidential movements are standard operating procedures worldwide and are coordinated to minimise disruption.

The press unit further explained that several other factors significantly contributed to the congestion, including heavy end-of-year traffic as many motorists returned from upcountry holidays, poor road discipline by some drivers who created multiple lanes, and a heavy downpour that reduced visibility and forced some motorists to temporarily park and wait for the rain to subside.

The statement encouraged the public to consider the full context of such situations and to exercise patience and responsible road use, especially during periods of heavy traffic and adverse weather conditions.

However, several politicians, including the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Hon. Joel Senyonyi, challenged the explanation, arguing that traffic congestion is often worsened when the President’s convoy stops for extended periods to allow him to address citizens gathered along the roadside. Others echoed similar sentiments, noting that while road closures are standard practice, unscheduled stops to address roadside crowds significantly amplify traffic delays.

President Museveni is expected to deliver his end-of-year address to the nation today at around 8:00 pm.