The United Nations has just called out Uganda in the strongest terms yet - warning that fear, silencing and military overreach are choking civic freedom in the country.

So, here’s what’s happening in Uganda right now, and it’s pretty concerning.

According to a report by cbinews.tv, the United Nations human rights office has raised the alarm over what it calls a serious clampdown on dissent by Ugandan authorities.

Speaking on Thursday, OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani didn’t mince words. She said they are “appalled at the crackdown on dissent, alongside a gradual erosion of the rule of law, increased military involvement in civilian institutions, and shrinking civic space.”

In plain English? People are scared to speak up.

The UN says restrictions on civil liberties are creating real fear among opposition supporters, journalists, activists, and civil society groups. As Shamdasani put it: “Those who dare to speak out are silenced. There is increased self-censorship, further stifling of public debate and deepening polarisation.”

And the numbers are stark. As reported by cbinews.tv, the UN says it has received credible information that since the general elections on 15 January, at least 50 opposition leaders and supporters, five human rights defenders and five journalists have faced human rights violations.

We’re talking about enforced disappearances, torture and ill-treatment, plus arbitrary arrests and detentions under laws the UN says don’t even stack up against international human rights standards.

It doesn’t stop there. Ten leading civil society organisations have reportedly been suspended since January, with others facing intense scrutiny and harassment. Some media outlets have even been forced to temporarily shut down operations. The UN also flagged a worrying rise in military involvement in jobs that should be done by civilian institutions.

This all comes just a day after 70-year-old opposition leader Kizza Besigye was hospitalised after collapsing during a court hearing. He has been in custody since 2024 facing treason charges over an alleged plot against President Yoweri Museveni.

Now, the UN is urging Ugandan authorities to respect their obligations under international human rights law, the African Charter and Uganda’s own Constitution — and to let people freely express their views and take part in public affairs.

Credit: Original reporting via cbinews.tv

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