Human Rights Advocate Sarah Bireete Granted Bail in Uganda Data Case
KAMPALA — Dr. Sarah Bireete, the executive director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance in Uganda, was released on bail Tuesday after nearly a month in detention. The Buganda Road Chief Magistrates Court granted her release on charges related to the alleged unlawful accessing of voters’ data ahead of the country’s January 15 presidential election.
The court set bail at 1 million Ugandan shillings (cash) and required two sureties of 10 million shillings each. Bireete was also ordered to surrender her passport and report regularly to authorities until the case resumes on February 27.
Bireete was arrested on December 30, 2023, and has consistently denied the charges, describing her detention as politically motivated. Upon her release, she criticized what she called the abuse of constitutional detention laws to silence critics.
“My detention was a clear attempt to intimidate and harass voices that stand for accountability and constitutional governance,” Bireete stated after leaving court.
Her release has been welcomed by human rights organizations and supporters. Human Rights Watch hailed the court’s decision as “a victory for justice,” particularly amid heightened political tensions following the recent elections.
The case has drawn significant attention on social media, where supporters celebrated the news. One post on X read, “Breaking: Sarah Bireete has been granted bail. Glory to God 😊😁”
The prosecution alleges Bireete illegally accessed national voters’ information, a charge her legal team vigorously disputes as unfounded and intended to disrupt her advocacy work.
The case is scheduled to return to court on February 27 for further hearing.
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