Introduction
Uganda continues to face corruption, which undermines socio-economic development, public trust, and obstructs efforts to establish a transparent society. Despite ongoing anti-corruption initiatives, this issue persists and directly impacts government offices, private businesses and critical sectors such as healthcare, education, infrastructure and law enforcement. Critics and individuals denouncing corruption face threats and intimidation.
Association
In June 2024, 30 activists were arrested for opposing the EACOP, a major infrastructure project aimed at transporting crude oil from Uganda's oil fields near Lake Albert to the Tanzanian port of Tanga for export. Between 27th May and 5th June 2024, 11 environmental human rights defenders, including Adriko Sostein, Julius Tumwiine and Ezama Chirilo, were arbitrarily arrested and detained while advocating against oil development projects. On 1st June, the Resident District Commissioner summoned the HRDs and issued intimidating remarks, pressured them to write an apology letter in which they renounced activism, and subsequently arrested them on 2nd June 2024.
On 4th June 2024, plainclothes military officers arrested Stephen Kwikiriza, an environmental defender who documents human rights impacts of the Kingfisher project, one of Uganda's key oil and gas projects, and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP). On 10th June 2024, authorities released him from detention in poor condition after he had endured severe beatings, mistreatment and abuse throughout the week.
Peaceful Assembly
On 27th May 2024, authorities arrested seven Ugandans attempting to deliver a petition outlining the adverse effects of the oil project, including land loss, environmental degradation, and violations of human and community rights.
Expression
On 12th May 2024, three men armed with sticks and machetes assaulted freelance reporter Kyarisiima while she covered a public meeting on a land dispute. The attackers took her bag, which contained her laptop and 500,000 shillings (US$132), slapped her, and struck her arm with a stick.
On 22nd May 2024, private bodyguards of opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu assaulted three journalists during their coverage of a businessman's funeral in Lwengo. They slapped and punched Radio Simba reporter Margret Kayondo and pushed her to the ground. Next Media Services reporter Zainab Namusaazi was punched, and bodyguard Achileo Kivumbi broke her camera. Security head Edward Ssebuwufu seized Nation Media Group reporter Gertrude Mutyaba's camera but later returned it.