Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of Oxfam International, has strongly condemned the suspension of Chapter Four Uganda, a leading human rights organisation, describing the move as an attempt to undermine election monitoring.
Speaking after the government’s action, Byanyima said she was not surprised by the clampdown, noting that daily abductions, torture, and illegal detentions have become routine under the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
“I’m not shocked,” she stated, “but I strongly condemn the suspension of Chapter Four Uganda.”
The organisation was suspended just days before Uganda’s national elections on the basis of alleged “intelligence” claims, which Byanyima called vague and preposterous.
She argued that the timing and nature of the action are intended to silence citizens and weaken independent oversight of the electoral process.
“This is about silencing citizens and crippling election monitoring — and it destroys what little credibility this election had left,” Byanyima added, highlighting the potential impact on transparency and democratic accountability.
Chapter Four Uganda has been instrumental in documenting human rights abuses and providing legal support to victims.
Civil society actors say its suspension sends a chilling message to other watchdogs and activists in the country.
Byanyima’s remarks underscore growing concern among international actors over Uganda’s political environment, particularly in the lead-up to voting where freedom of expression and citizen participation are essential.