Uganda’s general elections to be held on January15, 2026 and they continue to face international attention, with Rights group Amnesty International warning of increasing pressure on opposition supporters.
Authorities are also moving to impose limits on media coverage of protests and unrest ahead of the vote.
The government says the measures are aimed at maintaining public order.
Uganda’s election environment is under the spotlight, following new claims by Amnesty International that security forces are using heavy handed tactics against opposition supporters in the run-up to the polls.
The organisation says its investigation points to widespread arrests linked to opposition rallies, with more than 400 people detained in recent weeks.
Some detainees told Amnesty they were beaten, pepper-sprayed and held without access to lawyers or family members.
Ugandan authorities reject the allegations, saying security forces are acting within the law to prevent violence and maintain stability during the campaign period.
the government has also announced a ban on live broadcasting and streaming of riots and what it calls unlawful processions.
Officials argue that real-time coverage could escalate tensions and spread panic.
Media and rights groups, however, say the move could limit transparency and press freedom.
The restrictions revive memories of Uganda’s last election, when security crackdowns on protests left dozens of people dead.
With voting just days away, attention is now on whether Uganda can deliver a peaceful and credible election.
–SABC–
