Amnesty International Urges Uganda to Probe Post-Election Abuses Against NUP Supporters

Amnesty International is pressing Ugandan officials to launch thorough investigations into alleged human rights abuses by security forces during the 2026 general elections. The focus is on actions against supporters of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) before, during, and after the January 15 voting.

Reports indicate that between January 15 and 18, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and police used excessive force, killing at least 16 individuals nationwide. Hundreds faced arbitrary arrests, with some enduring incommunicado detention or torture-like treatment, including beatings with wires, sticks, batons, axes, and pliers.

These incidents unfolded against a backdrop of a two-day internet shutdown imposed prior to the polls. Three months on, no accountability has been established, according to Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.

Chagutah demanded impartial probes, suspension of implicated officers, and immediate release of those detained for exercising rights. The organization interviewed 48 victims across districts like Kampala, Rubaga, Luwero, and others, verifying deaths from gunshot wounds in places such as Butambala, Bulenga, and Mityana.

Specific cases include seven fatalities at an MP’s home in Butambala on election night and the shooting of Victoria Ndagire in Rubaga, whose postmortem confirmed gunshot injuries despite initial claims of a stone injury.

Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke had not reviewed the report at the time of inquiry and promised a response after internal consultation, while military officials did not reply.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)