Sarah Bireete Remanded to Luzira Over Alleged Voters’ Register Disclosure
By Kyeyune Ali
Kampala, Uganda — Buganda Road Court on Wednesday remanded Sarah Bireete, the Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG), to Luzira Prison until January 21, 2026 over allegations of unlawfully disclosing the voters’ register without authorization from the Electoral Commission.
Presiding judge Joan Jatipu issued the remand order during a morning court session held at 9:00 a.m.
Bireete was arrested on the afternoon of Tuesday, December 30, 2025, by security operatives and later detained at Nateete Police Station in Kampala. Her arrest initially raised concern among relatives and rights activists due to the absence of an official police statement.
Following mounting pressure from her family, Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Rachael Kawala later confirmed that Bireete was indeed being held in police custody.
Bireete is a prominent pro-democracy and human rights activist and a well-known public figure through her work with the Centre for Constitutional Governance Uganda.
On Wednesday, the CCG Board of Directors convened a press briefing at their headquarters in Ntinda, condemning her arrest and detention, which they described as illegal and unconstitutional.
The board alleged that Bireete’s residence was searched without a warrant and that several mobile phones were confiscated during what they termed an unauthorized operation. They further claimed that since her arrest, she had been denied access to her lawyers, family members, and colleagues.
According to the board, police failed to disclose the specific offences or conduct for which Bireete was being detained, contrary to constitutional safeguards.
Speaking on behalf of the board, Chairperson Andrew Kalamagi cited Article 23 of the Constitution, stating:
“A person arrested, restricted or detained shall be informed immediately, in a language that the person understands, of the reasons for the arrest, restriction or detention, and of his or her right to a lawyer of his or her choice.”
Kalamagi also expressed gratitude to individuals and institutions that have stood in solidarity with Bireete, particularly the Uganda Law Society, which has taken a leading role within the legal fraternity.
The board described Bireete as a key contributor to civic education, democratic development, and the promotion of human rights in Uganda and beyond.
Her continued detention has sparked renewed debate over civil liberties, due process, and the protection of human rights defenders in the country.