Uganda

Concerns about violations of freedom of association, assembly, and expression are increasing as Uganda prepares for elections in early 2016. Police obstruct some candidates’ access to media and public meetings. President Yoweri Museveni has been in power for 30 years and remains his party’s sole presidential candidate, and opposition presidential candidates have faced arrest, detention, and obstructions during their campaigns. A new nongovernmental organizations bill includes vague “special obligations” of independent groups -- provisions that could make organizations vulnerable to politically motivated charges. Although the Anti-Homosexuality Act was overturned by a constitutional challenge in 2014, government officials continue to voice their support for it.