Lawyer Godwin Toko has questioned the government’s commitment to human rights after Vice President Jessica Alupo delivered President Yoweri Museveni’s address at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Alupo told the UN gathering that Uganda supports the principles of the UN Charter, including the protection of fundamental rights, while also advocating reforms to the global system and a more representative international order. Museveni’s address, delivered by Alupo on Thursday, called for the UN to adapt to changing global realities while remaining committed to protecting human rights and promoting development.
Toko, however, said Uganda’s position at the international forum should be examined alongside the treatment of government critics and opposition figures at home.
“The United Nations General Assembly will always turn Ugandan representatives into hardcore human activists, the kind that get jailed in Kampala and their bank accounts frozen for being that!” Toko said.
He singled out the case of Sam Mugumya, who has been reported to be held in military custody following his alleged abduction in August 2025. In September 2025, Uganda’s High Court ordered authorities to produce Mugumya so that the legality of his alleged military detention could be examined.
Toko also referred to lawyer and opposition politician Erias Lukwago, who was arrested in June 2026 and charged with misprision of treason. Lukwago has remained in custody after several unsuccessful attempts to secure bail, with the High Court dismissing a bail application in July.
Human Rights Watch has separately accused Ugandan security forces of arbitrarily seizing government critics and holding some incommunicado before handing them over for prosecution. The organisation said at least five critics had been seized since mid-June 2026.
Toko further questioned Uganda’s advocacy for a multipolar world, arguing that the government’s position internationally contrasts with concerns raised over multiparty political activity domestically.
He cited opposition figures including Bobi Wine, Ssemujju Nganda and Kizza Besigye, as well as supporters of the National Unity Platform, while criticising what he described as restrictions against political opponents.
Toko said Alupo’s opening clarification that she was reading Museveni’s speech made the contrast particularly significant, arguing that Uganda’s demands on the global stage should also be considered against its domestic political and human rights record.