People in Kampala, Uganda. Editorial credit: Andreas Marquardt / Shutterstock.com

Uganda

While Uganda holds regular elections, their credibility has deteriorated over time. The country has been ruled by National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Yoweri Museveni since 1986. The NRM retains power through patronage, intimidation, and politicized prosecutions of opposition leaders. Uganda’s civil society and media sectors face legal and extralegal harassment and state violence.

Freedom on the Net 2023

Freedom on the Net — Uganda Country Report

Uganda is rated Partly Free in Freedom on the Net, Freedom House's comprehensive study of internet freedom around the globe.

Our Work in Uganda

Freedom House works with Ugandans to promote rule of law and protect human rights by supporting national-level structures and civil society organizations that uphold respect for human rights, child justice, and rule of law.  The program combines technical assistance and financial support to Ugandan partners to improve judicial independence, strengthen promotion of human rights protection by civil society organizations, enhance media reporting on human rights accountability, and strengthen the organizational capacity of its partners.

To learn more about our work in the region, visit our Africa programs page. 

Iranian people in Izmir protest the death of Mahsa Amini by the morality police in Iran.

Freedom in the World — Uganda Country Report

Uganda is rated Not Free in Freedom in the World 2023, Freedom House's annual study of political rights and civil liberties worldwide.