Court grants Sarah Bireete Shs1 million cash bail as women condemn targeted abuse

28 January 2026, 4:11 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

After weeks in detention, the Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance, Sarah Bireete, has been granted cash bail of Uganda Shillings 1 million, with non-cash sureties of Shs10 million.

The Buganda Road Magistrates Court also imposed travel restrictions on Bireete and ordered her to surrender her passport.

Bireete’s arrest has drawn criticism from several human rights defenders and opposition politicians, who have questioned the manner in which she was apprehended and detained. She is accused of accessing information from the Electoral Commission and sharing it without authorization.

Meanwhile, a section of women in Uganda has issued a strong statement condemning what they describe as the escalating harassment, physical assault, and sexualized humiliation of women.

“The women of Uganda stand before the nation today and the world with heavy hearts. We have observed a deplorable escalation in the targeted harassment, physical assault, and sexualized humiliation of women. We refuse to remain silent as the sanctity of Ugandan women, our sisters and daughters, is stripped away under the guise of maintaining order,” the statement reads.

The women further called upon national leaders to take action and find a lasting solution to the problem. In a direct appeal to the First Lady, they said, “For decades, you have been hailed as a champion for women and children. We appeal to your conscience as a mother and leader to speak out against these atrocities and demand that your son and the forces he leads respect the dignity of Ugandan women. The humiliation of women does not show strength; it shows the weakness of men who have failed to lead with integrity.”

The statement comes amid growing concern over the treatment of opposition figures. Recently, the National Unity Platform leadership, led by Robert Kyagulanyi, raised alarm over the disappearance of some of its leaders, including Vice President for the Northern Region, Dr. Zedriga, whose whereabouts were reportedly unknown for some time.

NUP leaders have called on security agencies to ensure that anyone facing charges is produced before designated courts, in accordance with the law, to allow for bail or lawful remand.