Former minister and constitutional activist Dr Miria Koburunga Matembe has vowed to continue speaking out against what she describes as injustice, human rights violations and poor governance, saying her recent detention experience has not weakened her resolve.
Matembe said that despite going through what she described as a painful ordeal during her arrest and detention, she cannot remain silent whenever she witnesses actions that affect the rights and wellbeing of Ugandans.
The former minister made the remarks while addressing journalists in Kampala, where she spoke about her recent arrest, alleged security actions at her home and her concerns about the state of human rights in the country.
Matembe said her commitment to defending justice, democracy and constitutional values was built over many years of public service and would not end because of personal challenges.
She explained that her experience in detention only strengthened her determination to continue advocating for what she believes is right.
According to Matembe, suspected security operatives raided her home in Luzira on June 24, 2026, while she was away, forcing her to stay away from her residence for several days.
She alleged that some of the people involved in the operation were dressed in civilian clothes while others were hooded, and that they searched her home during the incident.
Matembe said her 81-year-old husband, Nekemia Matembe, was present during the incident and was left shocked by what she described as a “military terrorist-style invasion.”
She was later arrested on June 28 and taken into custody before appearing before Luzira Magistrates’ Court on June 30, where she faced a charge of sectarianism.
Matembe claimed that after her arrest, she was blindfolded and taken to a location she believed was controlled by security forces, where she said she experienced harsh conditions.
She alleged that she was denied food during her detention and later transported in a vehicle commonly known as a “drone” before being taken to the Jinja Road Regional CID Office.
“I was starved to near death. I resorted to prayer because I knew my God would rescue me,” Matembe said, explaining that faith helped her endure the difficult period.
She thanked Ugandans, civil society organisations, lawyers, young people and other supporters who stood with her throughout the arrest and court process.
Matembe also appreciated the Uganda Law Society and her sureties for supporting her during the legal proceedings.
Reflecting on her political and constitutional journey, Matembe said she had dedicated much of her life to promoting human rights, gender equality, democracy and justice.
She recalled her role as one of the 21 members of the Uganda Constitutional Commission that prepared the draft Constitution which later became the foundation of the 1995 Constitution.
She also served as a Constituent Assembly delegate and participated in discussions that shaped Uganda’s constitutional system.
Matembe said her experience travelling across Uganda during the constitutional-making process exposed her to the hopes and concerns of citizens who wanted a country built on dignity, freedom, equality and social justice.
She said these experiences made it impossible for her to ignore situations where she believes citizens are being mistreated or denied their rights.
“It is therefore difficult for me to remain silent when a young person is treated unfairly for holding alternative political views, when a pregnant mother cannot access basic health services, when young girls cannot access quality education, or when citizens are kidnapped by rogue security operatives without accountability,” Matembe said.
The former minister urged Ugandans to reject a culture of silence and instead demand respect for the Constitution and protection of human rights.
She criticised what she described as the weakening of independent institutions of justice, arguing that courts should protect citizens and uphold fairness.
Matembe also referred to the detention and prosecution of opposition figures and activists, saying such actions raise concerns about the use of state power.
She questioned the situation facing citizens despite her previous support for the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
“I who embraced the NRM revolution am a victim of illegal military raids on my home, military abduction and trumped-up charges. Then who is safe in Uganda?” she asked.
Despite her criticism, Matembe said she remained hopeful that Uganda could overcome its challenges and restore respect for constitutional principles.
She called on citizens, especially young Ugandans, not to be intimidated into silence, saying the future of the country depends on people defending justice and accountability.
“The Constitution must be respected. Human rights and human dignity must be protected, and every Ugandan must have the freedom to speak against injustice,” she said.
Matembe concluded by encouraging Ugandans to remain courageous and united, saying her own experience had only increased her determination to continue fighting for justice and democracy.
“Stop fearing; stand up firmly in our God. Speak up and let us redeem our nation from the calamity it is going through,” she said.
