Civic Space in Uganda Continues to Decline as 2026 Elections Approach – Report
As Uganda prepares for the 2026 general elections, a newly released report by the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders Uganda (NCHRD-U) has raised alarm over the continuing decline in civic space across the country.
Titled “Citizenry Perspectives on Trends, Patterns, and Prospects on the Civic Engagement Landscape in Uganda,” the report offers a comprehensive snapshot of civic life in 2024—based on public opinion—highlighting worsening restrictions on freedoms of expression, assembly, and association.
Launched in Kampala on May 28, the report calls attention to growing obstacles faced by civil society, media professionals, and ordinary citizens when participating in public discourse or advocating for change.
Alarming Statistics on Rights and Freedoms
According to the report, 83% of Ugandans believe the country is heading in the wrong direction regarding human rights and the rule of law, an increase from 73% in 2022. Only 10% had a positive view, while 7% remained uncertain.
The most frequently cited concern was the violation of freedom of expression (27%), followed by restrictions on peaceful assembly (20%) and freedom of association (16%), revealing widespread discontent over shrinking space for public participation.
Top Institutions Cited for Violations
Survey participants identified the Uganda Police Force (UPF) as the leading violator of civic space, primarily due to its handling of public demonstrations and its treatment of opposition voices.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) ranked second, with concerns focused on the military’s involvement in domestic civic issues and the excessive force used during civil unrest.
Other institutions criticized in the report include:
- Office of the Presidency – for overseeing RDCs accused of suppressing local activism
- The Judiciary – for delays and perceived bias in political court cases
- Parliament – for enacting laws that limit civil liberties and civic action
Recommendations to Restore Trust and Freedoms
The report outlines a series of recommendations for government and security agencies:
- Adopt rights-respecting crowd control protocols and train officers on human rights standards.
- Establish independent oversight mechanisms to investigate police and military misconduct.
- Limit military involvement in civilian affairs, preserving democratic civic processes.
- Empower civil society to legally challenge restrictive policies and advocate for reform.
Voices from the Launch
Robert Kirenga, Executive Director of NCHRD-U, emphasized the urgency of addressing the civic space crisis, calling the report a valuable resource for shaping policy and strategy ahead of the elections.
“This report helps us understand the real experiences of Ugandans and offers a path to protect the freedoms necessary for inclusive development,” Kirenga said.
Laurianne Comard, EU Program Officer for Democracy and Governance in Uganda, echoed the concerns:
“Open civic space allows citizens to hold power accountable and demand justice. When it shrinks, people face censorship and threats for speaking out.”
As the countdown to 2026 continues, the state of Uganda’s civic environment remains critical to ensuring fair, free, and peaceful elections.
