Former minister and constitutional activist Dr Miria Koburunga Matembe has spoken out about her recent arrest and detention, describing the experience as one of the most difficult moments of her life.
Matembe said she was subjected to harsh conditions during her detention and relied on prayer, believing that God would help her overcome the situation.
“I was starved to near death. I resorted to prayer because I knew my God would rescue me,” Matembe said, attributing her survival and eventual release to divine intervention.
The former minister made the remarks while addressing journalists in Kampala, where she shared details about what she described as a security operation at her home and her subsequent arrest.
According to Matembe, suspected security operatives raided her home in Luzira on June 24, 2026, while she was away.
She claimed that some of the individuals involved were dressed in civilian clothes while others were reportedly hooded, and that they searched her residence during the operation.
Matembe said her 81-year-old husband, Nekemia Matembe, was at home during the incident and was left shocked by what she described as a frightening experience.
She described the incident as a “military terrorist-style invasion,” saying it caused fear and distress within her family.
The former minister said 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 alleged that after her arrest, she was blindfolded and taken to a location she believed was under military control.
She claimed she was denied food and subjected to difficult conditions before later being transported in a vehicle commonly referred to as a “drone” and taken to the Jinja Road Regional CID Office.
The constitutional activist said the experience strengthened her determination to continue speaking about human rights, justice and constitutional governance.
She thanked Ugandans, lawyers, civil society organisations, young people and other supporters who stood with her during the period of her arrest and court proceedings.
Matembe particularly appreciated the Uganda Law Society and her sureties for the assistance they provided during her legal process.
Reflecting on her long public service career, Matembe said she had dedicated much of her life to promoting democracy, equality, justice and human rights.
She recalled her role as one of the 21 members of the Uganda Constitutional Commission that prepared the draft Constitution that later became the foundation of the 1995 Constitution.
She also remembered serving as a Constituent Assembly delegate and participating in discussions that shaped Uganda’s constitutional framework.
Matembe said her involvement in the constitution-making process exposed her to the hopes and expectations of Ugandans who wanted a country based on dignity, freedom, equality and social justice.
She argued that citizens should not remain silent whenever they witness injustice, saying silence allows human rights violations to continue.
“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,” she said.
Matembe urged Ugandans to defend constitutional principles and demand respect for human rights regardless of political affiliation.
She also criticised what she described as the weakening of independent institutions, saying courts and accountability bodies should protect citizens and uphold justice.
The former minister, who said she previously supported the National Resistance Movement (NRM), questioned the safety of citizens under the current political environment.
“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 experience, Matembe said she remained hopeful that Uganda could overcome its challenges and restore respect for constitutional order.
She called on young Ugandans to remain courageous and resist fear, saying the future of the country depends on citizens standing up for justice and accountability.
“Stop fearing; stand up firmly in our God. Speak up and let us redeem our nation from the calamity it is going through,” Matembe said.
Her remarks have renewed debate about human rights, political freedoms and the responsibility of citizens to speak out against injustice in Uganda.
