Uganda’s Human Rights Crisis: Growing Questions, Missing Citizens, and the Search for Accountability

By Alexander Luyima | The Hoima Post
Uganda’s human rights record has once again come under intense scrutiny following a high-level meeting of opposition Members of Parliament convened by Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi. Addressing journalists shortly after the closed-door session, Ssenyonyi painted a disturbing picture of what he described as a worsening pattern of enforced disappearances, prolonged incommunicado detention, torture, and political persecution targeting government critics.
A Growing List of the Missing
According to Ssenyonyi, opposition legislators remain deeply alarmed by the rising number of Ugandans who have allegedly vanished after being taken into custody by security agencies. Among those named were Yunus Bosco Ssekiziyivu, Kanatta Mohammed, John Damulira, Sam Mugumya, Amos Rukomani, and Christopher Godi, popularly known as King Saha, whom opposition leaders say have neither been produced before courts of law nor accounted for by authorities.
“We know a number of Ugandans have been missing for a while,” Ssenyonyi told reporters. “We have received reports that some of these missing persons may no longer be alive, which is why the security agencies have failed to produce them before courts of law.”
The opposition leader further alleged that some detainees are being held incommunicado, denied access to lawyers and family members, and in some cases subjected to torture. These claims have not been independently verified by The Hoima Post. However, they add to longstanding concerns raised by local and international human rights organizations regarding enforced disappearances and unlawful detention in Uganda.
International Voices Raise Alarm
The detention of prominent opposition figure Kizza Besigye has drawn particular international attention. In November 2024, United Nations Human Rights Office chief Volker Türk expressed shock over Besigye’s abduction in Kenya and forcible return to Uganda, noting that the practice of prosecuting civilians in military courts contravenes Uganda’s obligations under international human rights law.
“I am deeply troubled by the pattern of enforced disappearances and the use of military courts to try civilians,” Türk stated in a formal communication to the Ugandan government. “These actions undermine the rule of law and erode public confidence in judicial institutions.”
Türk urged the government to release Besigye and ensure any further steps taken on allegations are conducted fully in line with international human rights law, while calling for comprehensive investigations into the circumstances surrounding his abduction.
Human Rights Watch has previously documented allegations of abuses by police, army officials, and the Internal Security Organisation, noting that the crackdown intensified during the lead-up to the January 2021 general elections. The whereabouts of some detainees remain unknown years after the polls ended.
Government Defends Security Measures
The government has consistently defended its actions as necessary measures to maintain national security and public order. Authorities have rejected accusations of systematic human rights abuses, arguing that Uganda remains governed by the rule of law.
However, concerns have also emerged from within government circles. Following pressure from legislators, Vice President Jessica Alupo assured Parliament that the Minister for Security would present a comprehensive statement addressing concerns surrounding missing persons and ongoing investigations. According to opposition leaders, that commitment remains outstanding.
Parliamentary Intervention Sought
Ssenyonyi has formally petitioned Speaker Jacob Marksons Oboth-Oboth to recall Parliament from recess to address what he describes as an escalating wave of human rights violations.
In his June 17 letter, he argued that “the continued absence of parliamentary intervention and oversight could create an environment in which further violations occur unchecked, thereby exposing more Ugandans to potential abuses and undermining public confidence in the rule of law and constitutional governance.”
Constitutional and governance experts maintain that Parliament’s oversight function remains one of the principal constitutional safeguards against abuse of executive authority.
Nicholas Opiyo, a prominent constitutional lawyer and human rights advocate, observed:
“Active parliamentary scrutiny strengthens democratic accountability and reinforces public confidence in state institutions. When Parliament remains silent in the face of credible allegations of abuse, it effectively abdicates its constitutional duty to the people of Uganda.”
Human Rights Commission Responds
Pauline Nansamba Mutumba, Director for Complaints, Investigations and Legal Services at the Uganda Human Rights Commission, rejected suggestions that the Commission has been inactive. She said the UHRC continues to engage government institutions at the highest levels to seek redress for victims while advocating adherence to constitutionalism, the rule of law, and respect for fundamental rights.
Newly appointed commissioners have also pledged to intensify efforts to ensure errant security officers are held accountable. Steven Basaliza said the Appointments Committee tasked them with ensuring that human rights abusers, particularly within security agencies, are brought to justice.
“The violation of human rights by some security officers is a disappointment and a betrayal of the public trust placed in them,” Basaliza said. “Individual security officers who abuse human rights should be arrested, tried before courts of law, and subjected to disciplinary action. Impunity has no place in a constitutional democracy.”
A Nation at a Crossroads
As Uganda moves closer to another election cycle, many questions remain unanswered.
Where are those who disappeared after being arrested?
Why have some detainees allegedly remained in custody without timely access to courts?
What mechanisms exist to ensure accountability when allegations are made against powerful security officials?
Can Uganda strengthen public confidence in its institutions by ensuring transparency, due process, and respect for constitutional rights?
George Musisi, a Kampala-based human rights lawyer, offered this perspective:
“Legislative oversight offers an important avenue for public accountability alongside judicial processes. Parliament has both the authority and responsibility to demand explanations from the Executive where constitutional questions arise. The question is whether our leaders have the political will to exercise that authority.”
Ssenyonyi struck a somber note as he concluded his remarks.
“The reality is that no one appears to be safe anymore. In the past, many people remained silent because they believed these actions affected only opposition supporters. Today they affect politicians across the political divide, journalists, religious leaders, civil society actors, and ordinary citizens. This is a crisis that touches every Ugandan.”
History has repeatedly shown that governments are judged not only by the elections they win or the projects they build, but also by how they protect the rights and freedoms of their citizens. For many Ugandans, the demand remains simple: truth, accountability, and justice under the law.
The Hoima Post will continue to monitor these developments and provide updates as the situation evolves. Readers with information or inquiries may contact the editorial team at editorial@hoimapost.ug.


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