Human rights activist Sarah Bireete has accused security agencies of acting on what she described as false intelligence linking her international travels to an alleged plan to discredit the government over human rights violations.
Bireete, who has faced legal and security-related scrutiny this year, said the alleged intelligence was based on claims that she travelled for work with the intention of “blackmailing” the regime.
In a statement shared on social media, Bireete dismissed the allegations, arguing that government actions and its record on human rights are already publicly documented and do not require anyone to spend money trying to expose them.
“THEIR ACTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES,” Bireete said, while criticising what she described as the conduct of security officials responsible for the alleged intelligence.
She said the alleged security concerns had also affected her ability to carry out her responsibilities in several regional and international networks.
Bireete identified herself as Chairperson of GND Exchanges, Vice Chair of the African Election Observation Network (AfEONet), Chairperson of the East Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Network and President of the East African Civil Society Organisation Forum.
According to the activist, she has so far missed about 18 official meetings because of what she described as restrictions and concerns surrounding her movements.
Bireete further alleged that the same “conspiracy” had extended to Uganda’s Judiciary, although she did not provide details in the statement about specific judicial officers or decisions she believes were connected to the alleged actions.
Her latest claims come months after her arrest in December 2025, when security officers reportedly detained her at her home in Mukono before she was taken to Nateete Police Station.
She was subsequently charged with unlawfully obtaining or disclosing personal data under Uganda’s Data Protection and Privacy Act. Prosecutors alleged that she had obtained or disclosed voter information without the Electoral Commission’s consent, allegations she denied.
Her arrest and detention drew criticism from human rights organisations, which questioned the circumstances surrounding her arrest and the length of time she spent in custody before being brought before court.
Bireete was later released on bail in January 2026, although the case remained pending.
Her latest statement highlights her continued concerns about the treatment of human rights defenders and civil society actors in Uganda, particularly those involved in election monitoring, governance and human rights advocacy.
She has not indicated whether she intends to pursue legal action over the alleged restrictions or identify the officials responsible for the intelligence she criticised.