Deep Concern Over Uganda’s January 15 Election as Amsterdam & Partners LLP Set to Continue its Representation of Opposition Leader Bobi Wine

London, January 12, 2025 – Amsterdam & Partners LLP, as longtime international counsel to opposition leader Bobi Wine, announces its support of Mr. Wine and his presidential campaign in relation to the January 15, 2026 general election in Uganda. As the country prepares to vote, credible reports have emerged of mounting state repression and restrictions on civic space. Amnesty International and other human rights observers have documented the use of excessive force, arbitrary arrests, and violence against opposition rallies and supporters. Security forces have been accused of targeting National Unity Platform (NUP) campaign events with tear gas and beatings, contributing to fears for the safety of political participants.

There are also ongoing concerns about potential internet service disruptions and restriction of communications ahead of the polls. While the government has denied plans to shut down internet access during the election period, opposition figures and rights groups remain alarmed by previous shutdowns used to hinder voter mobilisation and reporting in past elections.

Uganda’s elections have historically been organised in favour of long-serving President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled since 1986 and is seeking yet another term marked by an authoritarian political environment and systemic limitations on opposition activity, as well as on media freedom.

Robert Amsterdam, Founder and Managing Partner of Amsterdam & Partners LLP, states that “Uganda’s election crisis is part of a wider pattern of democratic backsliding across East Africa, including in Tanzania, marked by repression of opposition, electoral manipulation, and shrinking digital freedoms. The truth is, we all know that Museveni has won in the past through transparently rigged elections. This cannot be allowed to continue. We call on the United States, European Union and the international community as a whole to stop the erasure of hope from the people of Uganda”.

Amsterdam & Partners LLP is an international law firm specialising in human rights and political advocacy, based in London and Washington, DC. For more information about the firm, please visit www.amsterdamandpartners.com. Media enquiries may be directed to contact@amsterdamandpartners.com.