SOJAWB Somalia Journalists Without Borders expresses its profound concern over the arrest and continued detention of Dr. Sarah Bereeti, the Chairperson of the East African Civil Society Organizations’ Forum (EACSOF), by the Government of Uganda.
Her detention represents a deeply troubling development for civil society across the region and reflects a growing pattern of intimidation and restriction targeting human rights defenders and civic leaders.
We are particularly alarmed by the decision of the Ugandan judiciary to extend Dr. Bereeti’s remand while she awaits further court proceedings.
Such actions undermine the principles of due process, judicial independence, and the rule of law, and raise serious questions about the protection of civic space, fundamental freedoms, and human rights in Uganda and the wider East African region.
The continued detention of a prominent civil society leader sends a chilling message to activists, journalists, and organizations working peacefully to promote accountability, democracy, and social justice.
Civil society organizations across East Africa stand united in condemning this action and in calling upon the Ugandan authorities to immediately and unconditionally release Dr. Sarah Bereeti.
We urge the Government of Uganda and its judicial institutions to uphold their national, regional, and international human rights obligations, including respect for freedom of association, expression, and the legitimate work of civil society actors.
SOJAWB stands in full solidarity with EACSOF and all civil society organizations across the region. We share the deep pain, sadness, and concern caused by the continued detention of Dr. Sarah Bereeti and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to defending human rights, justice, and civic freedoms.
As human rights defenders, we stand with her, her family, and her colleagues, and we will continue to raise our voices until her rights are fully restored and civic space in East Africa is protected.