Show solidarity with and support Human Rights Defender Sarah Bireete while she waits for her next court appearance.

Dr. Sarah Bireete is a respected Ugandan human rights lawyer, civil society leader, and election observer. On 30 December 2025, she was arrested and detained without formal charges until 2 January 2026, when she was remanded to prison until 28 January 2026,the day in which bail was granted. Sarah’s next court appearance will be on 27 February 2026.

Her situation has placed a sudden and heavy burden on her family, who are now facing significant legal costs and financial strain. This fundraising campaign seeks to support Dr. Bireete’s legal defense and ensure that her family and dependents are cared for until her legal matters are fully resolved.

Dr. Sarah Bireete has devoted her career to defending constitutional governance, human rights, and democratic participation. She is the Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG) and serves in leadership roles across regional and global election observation networks.

She was arrested on 30 December 2025 and detained for several days until 2 January 2026, when she was charged in relation to alleged unlawful access to and disclosure of information from the National Voters’ Register, despite the prosecution acknowledging that investigations were still ongoing. She was remanded to Luzira Prison until 21 January 2026 for her bail hearing and further remanded until 28 January 2026, when she was granted bail. Her next court appearance is scheduled to commence on 27 February 2026 at the same court, Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court.

Dr. Bireete and her family are now managing urgent and unexpected challenges, including legal fees, and daily living expenses. Her personal bank accounts, including those used to manage household and family expenses, are still frozen, leaving her and her dependents without access to essential funds. Support from friends, colleagues, and the broader community is critical at this time to ensure they can navigate this difficult situation.

All funds raised (10,000 euros) will be used to support:

Legal representation and court-related expenses;

Immediate financial support for Dr. Bireete and her dependants due to impossibility to access her personal funds;

Dr. Bireete was released on bail on 28 January 2026 until her next court appearance on 27 February 2026. Support is needed now to ensure her and her dependants can manage this unexpected and difficult situation while her personal bank accounts and the ones connected to her are still frozen.

Dr. Sarah Bireete has dedicated her life to supporting others and defending human rights. Today, she needs our solidarity and support.

Any contribution, large or small, will make a meaningful difference. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this page to help spread the word.

Thank you for helping Dr. Sarah Bireete and her family during this challenging time.