Kampala, Uganda: The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has condemned the arrest of Lira City-based blogger Obonyo Patrick over comments related to alleged electoral malpractice, calling the move an act of intimidation rather than lawful enforcement.
In a statement issued Monday, February 16, 2026, the ULS Vice President, Asiimwe Anthony, said Obonyo, a blogger from Lango, was reportedly arrested over statements made in Luo (Leb Lango) concerning alleged electoral malpractice involving a religious leader and the use of church premises during elections.
The lawyers’ body said citizens do not require permission to speak about elections, which it described as matters of “the highest public interest.”
Citing Article 29(1)(a) of the Constitution, the Society stressed that freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed under Ugandan law.
“Elections are not private affairs; they are matters of the highest public interest. Discussions, allegations, criticisms and debates surrounding electoral processes form an essential part of democratic accountability,” the statement reads.
The Society added that if any statement made is alleged to be defamatory or unlawful, the law provides civil remedies and due process safeguards.
“It does not justify deploying the machinery of the State to silence dissent,” the statement said.
The ULS called upon the Uganda Police Force and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions to immediately justify the legal basis of the arrest and, if no lawful and proportionate grounds exist, release the blogger without delay.
The development comes amid heightened public sensitivity around election-related discourse and free expression in the country.
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