Human Rights Watch Slams Museveni, Muhoozi for Crackdown on Critics

International watchdog Human Rights Watch (HRW) has sharply criticized the Ugandan government, alleging a significant escalation in the suppression of critics. The organization’s latest report implicates President Yoweri Museveni and his son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, in a concerted effort to stifle political opposition through unlawful detentions and prosecutions.

Since mid-June 2026, HRW claims that security forces have detained at least five individuals critical of the government. The report also points to the military’s encirclement of Nation Media Group premises, forcing the suspension of operations for Uganda’s largest independent media house due to its critical reporting.

Carine Kaneza Nantulya, HRW deputy Africa Director, stated that the Museveni administration is increasingly using the military to target dissent. “President Museveni’s government is increasingly using the military as a cudgel against dissent and criticism,” Nantulya commented, urging the government to respect constitutional rights instead of employing security forces against critics.

The report highlights several high-profile cases, including the alleged abduction and two-day incommunicado detention of former Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago by armed soldiers, prior to him facing treason-related charges. Lukwago’s family reported he was assaulted while in military custody. Kenyan lawyer Martha Karua was also denied entry into Uganda after traveling to observe Lukwago’s court proceedings.

Veteran activist Miria Matembe was reportedly detained for two days and subsequently charged with promoting sectarianism, a charge HRW notes is often used against government opponents. Journalist Timothy Kalyegira faced arrest by soldiers and charges for operating unlicensed digital news platforms. The report also details the re-arrest of opposition figure Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi and the alleged mistreatment of supporter Andrew Nabimanya during a five-day detention in an undisclosed military facility.

Beyond individual arrests, HRW notes increased restrictions on civic space, including the indefinite suspension of at least 10 NGOs and the passage of the Protection of Sovereignty Act, which broadens government control over foreign funding for civil society groups. The organization contends that these actions contravene Uganda’s constitution, international human rights treaties, and President Museveni’s past pledges to address unlawful detentions.

HRW is calling on Ugandan authorities to cease the crackdown on independent media, civil society, and political critics, and to investigate and prosecute those responsible for alleged human rights abuses. Ugandan officials had not publicly responded to the HRW report at the time of publication.