THE United Nations slammed the government of Uganda on Thursday for its clampdown on opposition groups and any wider dissent.

In a statement, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said: “I am appalled that the authorities are increasingly targeting any form of dissent and deepening restrictions on the fundamental freedoms of all those living in Uganda.

“Those who dare to speak out are silenced.”

His comments came a day after opposition leader Kizza Besigye was hospitalised in an unresponsive state after he collapsed during a court hearing. 

Mr Besigye has been in custody since November 2024.

The UNHCR said repression against those who criticise the government has increased after the general elections on January 15, when Yoweri K Museveni was declared president for his seventh term.

At least 50 opposition leaders and supporters, five journalists, and five human rights advocates have been subjected to human rights violations including arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and torture, the statement noted.

As many as 10 civil society groups have been forcibly suspended with others routinely harassed and kept under scrutiny. The government has also forced the closure of a number of media outlets.

Mr Turk accused the government of “creating a climate of fear that is increasing self-censorship, further stifling public debate, and deepening polarisation.”