Uganda is facing growing concerns over freedom of expression following reports of arrests, intimidation and alleged disappearances involving social media users, journalists and government critics.
Several Ugandans say they have faced threats, detention or harassment after publishing criticism of political leaders and security institutions.
An investigation published by Al Jazeera on November 4, 2026, documented accounts from journalists, activists and families who allege that authorities have targeted individuals over their online activities.
However, Uganda’s military denies carrying out unlawful disappearances and maintains that security agencies operate within the law.
The allegations have renewed questions about digital rights, freedom of expression and the use of laws regulating online communication.
Ugandan woman arrested over social media activity
Praise Aloikin Opoloje was detained on September 26 before appearing at the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court two days later.
Authorities charged her with allegedly using a SIM card registered in her mother’s name for unlawful activities.
Opoloje denied the charge, which falls under Uganda’s 2024 Regulation of Interception of Communications Regulations.
However, she believes her detention was connected to a video criticising General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s military chief and son of President Yoweri Museveni.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, Opoloje alleged that unidentified men removed her from a police station and subjected her to physical abuse and threats.
Her allegations have not been independently verified.
A court granted her bail on October 14. However, the criminal proceedings remain unresolved.
Family searches for missing Ugandan teenager
Another case involves 17-year-old William Baliza, whose family says he has been missing since February 2026.
His father, Emmanuel Baliza, alleges that armed men wearing military uniforms took the teenager from their home.
According to his account to Al Jazeera, the incident followed William’s expressed intention to protest against police brutality and problems within Uganda’s education system.
The family believes his social media activity may have attracted attention from security personnel.
Emmanuel says he contacted authorities but has not received confirmation of his son’s whereabouts.
He also alleges that officials denied holding William at a military detention facility near Entebbe.
The circumstances of the teenager’s disappearance have not been independently established.
For his family, the immediate priority remains finding William and establishing what happened to him.
Journalist alleges detention and intimidation
Ugandan journalist and human rights activist Andrew Tabandama Natumanya has also described alleged harassment linked to his reporting.
Natumanya published social media updates about a security operation involving properties reportedly connected to former parliamentary speaker Anita Among.
The operation was linked to investigations into allegations including corruption and money laundering.
According to Natumanya, security personnel questioned how he obtained information about the operation.
He told Al Jazeera that armed men detained him on June 17 and subjected him to physical abuse and humiliation.
Natumanya says he remained in detention for five days before being released on bail.
He also alleges that threats and intimidation affected members of his family.
These allegations have not been independently verified.
Despite the reported experience, Natumanya says he intends to continue reporting on public affairs.
Lawyers question Uganda’s digital laws
Human rights lawyers have raised concerns about the use of legislation regulating online communication.
Steven Atukwatse, a lawyer with the Agora Research Center, says he has represented several social media users charged under Uganda’s Computer Misuse Act.
According to Atukwatse, many cases involve individuals who published criticism of President Museveni or his son.
He told Al Jazeera that he had personally handled 12 such cases since November 2025.
The lawyer also raised concerns about difficulties families face when attempting to locate detained relatives.
In some cases, he alleged, authorities initially deny holding individuals who later appear at police stations.
Atukwatse argues that proving unlawful detention or mistreatment can be difficult without independent evidence.
Furthermore, unresolved criminal charges can continue to affect individuals even after their release.
Ugandan military denies unlawful disappearances
Uganda’s military has rejected allegations that security agencies unlawfully detain or disappear online critics.
Army spokesperson Colonel Chris Magezi told Al Jazeera that authorities operate within the country’s legal framework.
He maintained that security agencies cooperate with police and intelligence institutions when investigating suspected offences.
According to Magezi, suspects accused of serious crimes are brought before the courts.
He also said security agencies monitor social media activity and may investigate posts that potentially violate the law.
The spokesperson pointed to Uganda’s defamation laws, arguing that individuals could face legal consequences for publishing unsubstantiated allegations.
However, these official explanations contrast with accounts provided by some detainees, families and human rights lawyers.
The competing claims highlight the importance of independent investigations and legal oversight.
Freedom of expression remains under scrutiny
The reported cases have renewed debate over the relationship between national security, law enforcement and freedom of expression in Uganda.
Social media platforms have become important spaces for political discussion, journalism and public criticism.
However, activists argue that arrests, intimidation and unresolved criminal cases can discourage individuals from expressing their views.
Ugandan authorities maintain that online activity remains subject to existing laws.
Meanwhile, families of missing individuals continue seeking information about their relatives.
The cases involving Opoloje and Natumanya also remain unresolved following their release on bail.
As Uganda faces growing scrutiny over its treatment of online critics, questions remain about accountability, legal protections and the rights of individuals to express political opinions without fear of unlawful retaliation.