By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu
Kampala
The Uganda Police Force has confirmed the arrest of Dr. Sarah Birete, a prominent governance activist and director of the Center for Constitutional Governance. Dr. Birete also serves as chairperson of the East and Horn Election Observers Network.
The arrest was announced in a statement released on the police’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, shortly after Dr. Birete herself posted that her home was under siege. Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson SP Rachel Kawala confirmed the development, noting that investigations are underway and that Dr. Birete will be aligned to court in due course.
Dr. Birete has been outspoken in recent months, frequently commenting on governance and civic issues. One of her latest public engagements was a video response to the Director of Patriotism, Hellen Seku, regarding the use of the national flag. In the video, she argued that displaying the Ugandan flag on motorcycles (bodabodas) or even wearing it as clothing should be considered acts of patriotism, as they promote national pride.
Her arrest has sparked widespread attention, given her role in constitutional advocacy and election observation across the region. The circumstances surrounding the police operation remain unclear, and further details are expected as investigations progress.
