The Uganda Women’s Movement has strongly condemned what it describes as the continued harassment and intimidation of veteran politician and women’s rights advocate, Dr. Miria Matembe.
The coalition of activists called on government authorities to respect the rule of law and immediately halt “unlawful raids” on the residences of political figures and civil society actors.
Addressing a joint press conference in Kampala on Friday, women leaders and human rights defenders expressed solidarity with Dr. Matembe following a reported security raid on her home. The group warned that the incident reflects a worrying trend of shrinking civic space and escalating attacks on democratic freedoms in the country.
Dr. Sarah Bireete, the Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG), stated that arbitrary home raids and the intimidation of citizens directly violate Uganda’s constitutional guarantees.
“Any allegations against Dr. Matembe or any other citizen should be handled through established legal procedures. We reject actions that undermine due process and violate the rights and dignity of citizens,” Dr. Bireete said.
The movement demanded that security agencies uphold the constitution and cease tactics that infringe on citizens’ privacy and safety.
The incident comes amidst heightened public debate regarding the treatment of government critics and opposition figures. It follows a similar, highly publicized security operation at the home of the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago.
Speaking at the press conference, the National Unity Platform (NUP) Deputy President for Northern Uganda, Ms. Lina Zedriga, lauded Dr. Matembe as a pioneer whose courage paved the way for women in modern Ugandan politics.
“We are products of Hon. Dr. Miria Matembe’s recruitment. She awakened many women to stand for justice and dignity. We must never submit to vulnerability and fear,” Ms. Zedriga said.
She further criticized security forces for violating the privacy of Dr. Matembe’s family during the operation, terming it an infringement on basic constitutional rights.
Former Leader of the Opposition in Parliament (LoP), Ms. Winnie Kiiza, appealed to religious leaders to break their silence and defend the country’s constitutional values.
“Fear will not protect you. You have been called to stand firm and speak boldly. Religious leaders of Uganda, we as women are watching you. Please do not let us down,” Ms. Kiiza urged.
Adding to the tributes, Ms Penelope Sanyu of Femme Forte Uganda emphasized that Dr. Matembe’s legacy as a champion of gender equality predates modern policy frameworks.
“Long before it was fashionable to speak truth to power, Dr. Matembe did so. Long before gender equality became the language of development partners and policy documents, she insisted that women deserve dignity not as a favor from the state, but as a matter of justice,” Ms. Sanyu noted.
The Uganda Women’s Movement reiterated its commitment to advocating for the protection of civic space and the rule of law, regardless of political affiliation.
By press time, both the police and military authorities had not issued a public statement regarding the operation at Dr. Matembe’s residence.