Government Runs out of Excuses, Finally Bireete Gets Temporary Freedom
Rights Lawyer Sarah Bireete Granted Bail After Nearly a Month in Detention
By Lawrence Mubiru
Human rights advocate and prominent lawyer Sarah Bireete has been granted bail after spending almost a month in prison on charges related to the unlawful acquisition and disclosure of National Voters’ information.
The bail ruling was delivered by Principal Grade One Magistrate Winnie Nankya Jatiko at the Buganda Road Court, granting Bireete temporary freedom as she awaits trial in a case that has attracted wide attention from the legal fraternity and human rights organisations.
Birete is accused of violating privacy and data protection laws by allegedly obtaining and sharing confidential voter information without authorisation. Prosecutors contend that the actions amount to a serious breach of citizens’ personal data, an allegation her legal team strongly disputes.
In her ruling, Magistrate Nankya Jatiko imposed strict bail conditions, ordering Birete to deposit her passport with the court and barring her from leaving the country without prior court permission. The measures are intended to ensure her availability throughout the trial process.
The court also fixed February 27, 2026, as the date for the next hearing and directed the prosecution to disclose all evidence they intend to rely on before that date. The magistrate said the directive was necessary to guarantee a fair trial and allow the defence adequate time to prepare.
Birete’s detention and subsequent release on bail have sparked public debate, particularly in light of her long-standing role as a defender of human rights and civil liberties. Her lawyers maintain that the charges are politically motivated, arguing that the case is aimed at silencing dissent and intimidating outspoken activists critical of government policies.
As the case heads toward trial, it is expected to remain under close scrutiny, with broader implications for freedom of expression, data protection, and the state of civil liberties in Uganda. All eyes will now turn to the February hearing as the legal process unfolds in one of the country’s most closely watched cases.