Veteran politician and outspoken government critic Miria Matembe has reportedly been arrested after spending two days in hiding following a dramatic security operation at her residence in Luzira. Her arrest brings to an end days of uncertainty that had sparked widespread public concern and speculation about her whereabouts.
According to media personality JK Kazoora, who is Matembe’s nephew, the former minister was taken into custody a few hours before he addressed the public. He revealed that she was transported to Mbuya and had been given access to her medication while authorities determine the next course of action regarding her detention.
New details have emerged showing that Matembe narrowly avoided arrest when security operatives first raided her home on June 26. Kazoora explained that she was away from home at the time and allegedly received an early warning about the operation while jogging, enabling her to evade the security team.
After learning about the raid, Matembe reportedly sought cover in nearby bushes before taking refuge at a neighbor’s residence. She later relocated to another undisclosed location where she remained hidden as efforts to locate her intensified.
Kazoora disclosed that he had earlier spoken with senior government officials who reportedly assured him that security agencies were no longer pursuing Matembe. Believing the situation had calmed down, he passed the information on to family members and close associates.
However, events took an unexpected turn when security operatives allegedly traced communications involving some of Matembe’s associates. Kazoora claimed that two of her friends were arrested and questioned, leading investigators to information that ultimately revealed her location.
The arrests followed reports that human rights advocate Dr. Sarah Bireete and activist Eunice Musiime had briefly been detained by security personnel before being released. Although it remains unclear whether they were directly linked to Matembe’s arrest, the developments have fueled further public interest in the unfolding situation.
Matembe, a former Ethics and Integrity Minister and one of the key contributors to Uganda’s 1995 Constitution, has in recent years emerged as one of the government’s most vocal critics. As family members await clarity on her legal status, many Ugandans are closely watching to see whether she will be formally charged, released, or transferred to another detention facility in the coming days.
