Women's movement decries 'harassment' of veteran activist Miria Matembe

The Uganda Women’s Movement has publicly denounced what it terms as the ongoing harassment and intimidation of Dr. Miria Matembe, a prominent veteran politician and advocate for women’s rights. The coalition of activists has issued a stern call to government authorities, urging them to uphold the rule of law and immediately cease “unlawful raids” on the homes of political figures and civil society actors.

During a joint press conference in Kampala, women leaders and human rights defenders expressed solidarity with Dr. Matembe after a reported security operation at her residence. This incident, they warned, signals a “worrying trend of shrinking civic space and escalating attacks on democratic freedoms” within Uganda.

Dr. Sarah Bireete of the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG) emphasized that such arbitrary home raids and citizen intimidation breach Uganda’s constitutional guarantees. She stated, “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.” The movement has demanded that security agencies adhere to the constitution and abandon tactics that infringe upon citizens’ privacy and safety.

This event occurs amid a broader national discussion on the treatment of government critics and opposition figures, following a recent high-profile security operation at the home of Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago. Ms. Lina Zedriga, Deputy President for Northern Uganda of the National Unity Platform (NUP), lauded Dr. Matembe as a “pioneer” who paved the way for women in Ugandan politics, stating, “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 further criticized the violation of Dr. Matembe’s family’s privacy during the operation.

Former Leader of the Opposition, Ms. Winnie Kiiza, appealed to religious leaders to speak out in defense of constitutional values. Ms. Penelope Sanyu of Femme Forte Uganda highlighted Dr. Matembe’s long-standing commitment to gender equality, noting that she “insisted that women deserve dignity not as a favor from the state, but as a matter of justice.” The Uganda Women’s Movement reaffirmed its dedication to protecting civic space and the rule of law.

As of this report, neither the police nor military authorities had issued a public statement regarding the operation at Dr. Matembe’s residence. Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)