Prominent human rights lawyer and civic activist Dr Sarah Bireete has been granted bail by the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court, nearly a month after her arrest and remand on charges linked to the alleged unlawful acquisition and disclosure of voters’ personal data.
On Wednesday, Chief Magistrate Winnie Nankya Jatiko ordered Bireete’s release on a cash bail of Shs1 million, with two sureties each bonded at Shs10 million, non-cash. As part of the bail conditions, the court directed Bireete to surrender her passport and barred her from leaving Uganda without express court permission. The case was adjourned to February 27, 2026, for further hearing.
Bireete was arrested on December 30, 2025, and charged with offences relating to the alleged unauthorised access and sharing of information from the national voters’ register, contrary to electoral and data protection laws. Prosecutors contend that the information was obtained or disclosed without clearance from the Electoral Commission, an allegation Bireete has firmly denied.
Her arrest and prolonged detention sparked widespread criticism from civil society organisations, legal experts and human rights defenders, who argued that the charges were politically sensitive and raised serious concerns about due process, especially during the tense post-election period following the January 2026 general elections.
Bireete, 49, is the Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG) and a well-known advocate for constitutionalism, electoral accountability and civic participation. Over the years, she has played a leading role in election observation, governance monitoring and regional civic engagement initiatives, earning both respect and scrutiny for her outspoken positions.
During the bail hearing, her lawyers argued that Bireete is a law-abiding citizen with a fixed place of abode and no history of absconding court. They further submitted that the offences she faces are bailable and that her continued detention was unjustified. The prosecution did not strongly oppose bail but asked court to impose strict conditions, citing the international nature of her work and the risk of absconding.
Civil society groups have welcomed the granting of bail but insist that the case itself reflects a troubling trend of criminalising civic activism and shrinking democratic space. Several organisations say the use of criminal law against election observers and governance advocates sets a dangerous precedent.
As the case proceeds, observers say it will remain a key test of Uganda’s commitment to civil liberties, judicial independence and the protection of human rights defenders in an increasingly polarised political environment.
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