The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, operating as a partnership between the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), has called for immediate intervention regarding the unlawful detention of four environmental activists in Uganda. The individuals named are Ssembalirwa Aniwaly, Mugoya Hassan, Okanya Ivan, and Ariong Arone Patrick, all members of the youth-led group Rooted in Resistance.
Arrest During Peaceful March
On 10 August 2026, at approximately 9:00 a.m., the four defenders participated in a peaceful demonstration along King George Way in central Kampala. Their objective was to reach Parliament to submit a petition advocating for a new economic model based on oil resources that ensures broad-based prosperity for Ugandans. Participants wore orange T-shirts emblazoned with “Rooted in Resistance” and carried placards with slogans such as “Prioritize other sectors of the economy,” “Oil is Temporary, Nature is Permanent,” and “Oil Today, Problems Tomorrow.” Police intercepted the group, arresting them mid-march and transporting them to the Central Police Station in Kampala.
Judicial Proceedings and Detention
The activists appeared before Grade One Magistrate Rophine Achayo at the Buganda Road Chief Magistrate’s Court. They pleaded not guilty to charges of public nuisance under the Road Act, Cap. 346, which alleged they disrupted traffic and created road hazards. Following the hearing, the court remanded them to Luzira Maximum Security Prison. They remain in custody as of the report date, with their next scheduled court appearance set for 28 August 2026.
Pattern of Harassment
The Observatory highlights that these arrests occur within a broader context of intensified restrictions on civic space in Uganda, particularly surrounding the 2026 elections. Rooted in Resistance, formerly known as Students Against EACOP Uganda, has a history of organizing peaceful protests against the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) and the environmental consequences of oil projects. This incident reflects a persistent pattern of judicial harassment targeting those opposing EACOP. Recent years have seen numerous similar cases, including the arrest of 47 students in August 2024, the detention of several activists in mid-2024, and the conviction of eight young defenders in April 2026.
International Obligations and Demands
As a State Party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Uganda is obligated to respect rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and fair trial. The Observatory condemns the criminalization of these defenders and warns that such prosecutions create a chilling effect on civil society. The organization urges Ugandan authorities to immediately and unconditionally release the four men, drop all charges, and guarantee their physical integrity and psychological well-being without fear of reprisals.
This report was produced by the HuMedia newsroom.
