The West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS) has received reports concerning the arrest and detention of Dr. Sarah Bireete, a distinguished human rights lawyer, constitutional governance expert, and human rights defender. Dr. Bireete currently serves as the Chairperson of the Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM) and the East and Horn of Africa Election Observation Network (E-HORN), both global and regional platforms that unite domestic election observer organisations across Africa and worldwide to strengthen election observation standards, coordination, and peer learning.
Based on the reports received, it has been almost 24 hours since Dr. Bireete was arrested and detained, and yet no charges have been proffered against her. This act contravenes the spirit and letter of Article 6 and several other articles of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, of which Uganda is a signatory and has ratified.
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Over the years, Dr Bireete has been a source of inspiration and strength for civil society, a voice for activists and democracy defenders in Africa and globally, and a strong advocate for election integrity on the continent, having led high-level election solidarity observation missions across the continent.
WADEMOS extends its solidarity to E-HORN, the Centre for Constitutional Governance, and civil society organisations and activists in the region. The Network also calls on the Uganda Police Force and other criminal justice institutions in the country to uphold the rule of law and fully respect the rights of Dr. Sarah Bireete, including her right to appear before a competent court of law as prescribed under the laws of Uganda, as well as regional and international human rights instruments such as the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and the AU Declaration on the Promotion of the Role of Human Rights Defenders and Their Protection in Africa.
The people of Uganda and relevant institutions must ensure justice for Dr Sarah Bireete.
