In a high-level engagement with the Chairperson of the Uganda Human Rights Commission, Miriam Wangadya, opposition leaders under the Joint Democratic Platform (JDP), including Jimmy Akena (UPC), Lulume Bayiga (PFF), Asuman Masalirwa (JEEMA), Saddam Gayira (PPP), Ibrahim Kasozi (FDC) and Jolly Jackeline (NUP), among others, have petitioned the Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) to engage the government to halt the alleged violations of human rights

In their joint petition, which was presented to Wangadya, among the core concerns raised by the leaders are enforced disappearances and unlawful detention, shrinking civic and media space, political militarization of civilian administration, political discrimination, and civilian trials in military courts.

While engaging the Commission chairperson on Monday, July 27th, 2026, at the commission’s head offices at Naguru, Kampala, the opposition leaders appealed to UHRC to exercise its full inspection, tribunal, and advisory powers to address these patterns, and propose a standing JDP-UHRC Technical Liaison Framework to sustain accountability beyond their engagement.

According to Lulume Bayiga, the Executive Chairperson of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) party, since November 2020, and continuing throughout the 2026 electoral cycle, the JDP has recorded an ongoing pattern of state-linked abductions where some security agents in plain clothes or military attire, driving unmarked minibuses, have seized opposition supporters, campaign organizers, polling agents, and civic activists from streets and homes.

“Suspects are held for weeks, months, or years without being charged before a competent court, in direct violation of the mandatory 48-hour constitutional limit,” Lulume said.

Asuman Basalirwa, the President of Justice Forum, alleged that opposition political activists are routinely arraigned before the General Court Martial on charges such as illegal possession of military stores, in defiance of binding judicial precedent prohibiting civilian trials in military courts.

“Hundreds of opposition supporters remain held in state prisons on protracted remand without trial progression, effectively political imprisonment without conviction. I am wondering why the government has failed to reveal the whereabouts of Muwanga Kivumbi and other political prisoners,” Basalirwa said.

According to Saddam Gayira, the President of the People’s Progressive Party(PPP), Ugandans expect the UHRC to act as a courageous, independent constitutional defender and to proactively declare government actions, operational directives, and policies illegal human Rights violations as soon as they occur, setting a clear standard for public accountability.

However, Wangadya revealed that the Commission will soon launch investigations into the concerns raised by the parties and called for collaboration to ensure that human rights are respected and restored in the country.

Meanwhile, the opposition has since condemned the alleged state of lawlessness, including alleged illegal arrests, detention, and torture of opposition politicians.