Mary Lawlor. Photo/X
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders, Mary Lawlor, has sharply criticised Uganda’s decision to suspend several civic and human rights organisations just days before the country’s general elections scheduled for Thursday.
In a statement shared on X, Lawlor described the move as “very disturbing,” warning that it poses a serious threat to democratic participation and the protection of fundamental freedoms during a critical electoral period.
She said the suspensions must be lifted immediately.
The affected organisations include the National Coalition for Human Rights Defenders (NCHRD), Chapter Four Uganda, the Alliance for Election Finance Monitoring (ACFIM Africa), the Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda), and the National NGO Forum.
All were reportedly ordered by Uganda’s NGO Bureau to halt their activities.
These organisations play key roles in election observation, human rights documentation, media freedom advocacy, and civic engagement.
Their suspension raises concerns about transparency, accountability, and the safety of activists and journalists as Ugandans prepare to vote.
Lawlor noted that the timing of the decision, coming barely days to the polls, is particularly troubling.
She warned that shutting down independent civic actors undermines public confidence in the electoral process and restricts citizens’ ability to access impartial information.
Ugandan authorities have not publicly detailed the specific grounds for the suspensions, though similar actions in the past have often been justified on regulatory or compliance grounds.
Critics argue such measures are frequently used to constrain civil society ahead of major political events.
The development adds to growing international scrutiny of Uganda’s electoral environment, with rights groups and observers urging authorities to uphold constitutional freedoms and ensure a credible, inclusive election.