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A Ugandan court on Wednesday granted bail to Sarah Bireete, a prominent human rights activist who was detained ahead of the country’s general election.
Bireete, head of the Kampala-based Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG), was arrested on December 30 after raising concerns over the accuracy of the voter register. Authorities later charged her with offences related to the alleged unlawful disclosure of voter information.
Magistrate Winnie Nankya Jatiko ordered her release, stating that Bireete had satisfied all conditions required for bail.
Her detention drew criticism from rights groups, who said it was part of a broader crackdown on dissent before the January 15 election.
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch had called for her immediate release, while the CCG said she was being targeted for defending the rights of marginalised groups.
President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, was declared the winner of the election with 71.6% of the vote. Opposition leader Bobi Wine rejected the results and remains in hiding, according to the military.
The Ugandan government has reportedly denied allegations from opposition figures and rights organisations that it uses security forces to silence critics.
