Condemnation statement

Dr. Sarah Bireete is a respected Ugandan human rights lawyer, civil society leader, and election observer. On 30 December 2025, she was arrested without formal charges and has since been remanded to prison until 21 January 2026.

AHEAD Africa strongly condemns the arbitrary arrest, continued detention, and remand to custody of Dr. Sarah Bireete until 21 January 2026, both a colleague and Chairperson of our partner, the East and Horn of Africa Election Observation Network (E-HORN) and Vice Chairperson of the African Election Observers Network (AfEONet). Jailing an election observer ahead of Uganda’s January 2026 elections is an attack on due process, civic space, and democracy itself. We demand her immediate release.

#FreeSarahBireete
Read statement condemning the continued detention of Dr. Sarah Bireete [EN]

Fundraising

Dr. Bireete has dedicated her life to supporting others and defending human rights. Today, she needs our solidarity and support.

Her detention has placed a sudden and heavy burden on her family, who are now facing significant legal costs and financial strain. Her community is raising funds to support Dr. Bireete’s legal defense and ensure that her family and dependents are cared for while she remains in custody.

Her family is now managing urgent and unexpected challenges, including legal fees, daily living expenses, and the care of her children while she is in custody. In addition, Dr. Bireete’s personal bank accounts, including those used to manage household and family expenses, have been frozen, leaving her dependents without access to essential funds. Support from friends, colleagues, and the broader community is critical at this time to ensure they can navigate this difficult situation.

All funds raised (10,000 EUR) will be used to support:

  • Legal representation and court-related expenses;
  • Immediate financial support for Dr. Bireete’s dependants;
  • Essential subsistence costs during her detention.

Dr. Bireete appeared in court on 21 January 2026 for a bail hearing, but she is now remanded until 28 January 2026. Support is needed now to ensure her dependents can manage this unexpected and difficult situation.

Donate to help cover her legal and subsistence costs