Security operatives on Tuesday raided the home of former Minister of Ethics and Integrity, Dr Miria Matembe, in an operation that has triggered public debate and renewed concerns over the treatment of outspoken government critics.
According to Matembe, the operatives arrived at her residence at around 10:00 a.m. and found only a caretaker at home before forcing entry into the house.
She said the officers conducted a thorough search before leaving with several items, including mobile phones, computers and other electronic gadgets.”The security people came when I wasn’t home. They found the caretaker, entered the house and took away electronic gadgets,” Matembe said.
By Tuesday evening, security agencies had not issued an official statement explaining the purpose of the operation, whether it was backed by a court warrant, or whether it formed part of an ongoing criminal investigation.The silence from authorities immediately sparked widespread public interest, with political observers and activists demanding an explanation.
A LONG-TIME GOVERNMENT CRITIC
The raid has drawn particular attention because Matembe is one of Uganda’s best-known political figures.She served as Minister of State for Ethics and Integrity during the early years of President Yoweri Museveni’s administration before later falling out with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Since leaving government, Matembe has transformed herself into one of the country’s most outspoken critics, frequently speaking against corruption, abuse of office, constitutional amendments, electoral violence and alleged human rights violations.
She has remained active in public debates, television discussions and civil society forums, where she has consistently challenged government policies and security operations.Political analysts say her profile makes any action against her a matter of significant public interest.
QUESTIONS OVER THE REASON FOR THE RAID
Although no official explanation has been provided, legal experts note that searches of private residences are ordinarily conducted as part of criminal investigations.Electronic gadgets are often seized because they may contain documents, emails, communication records and other digital evidence relevant to an inquiry.
However, investigators usually disclose the offences under investigation either through court proceedings or official communication.In Matembe’s case, authorities had not publicly explained what they were looking for or whether the former minister was under investigation.
The absence of such information has fuelled speculation about the motive behind the operation.
CALLS FOR TRANSPARENCY
Human rights advocates say security agencies should promptly explain operations involving prominent public figures to maintain public confidence in law enforcement.
Lawyers argue that transparency helps prevent misinformation while assuring the public that investigations are being conducted within the framework of the law.Several governance observers also stressed that if criminal investigations are underway, authorities should communicate this clearly instead of allowing speculation to dominate public discourse.
UGANDANS REACT
News of the raid quickly spread across social media, attracting reactions from politicians, activists and ordinary Ugandans.Academic and human rights activist Stella Nyanzi condemned the operation, questioning why security officers had targeted the home of an elderly former minister.
“Raiding the home of an elderly lady, no matter how loud she may be, is uncouth,” Nyanzi posted on X.
“In all earnestness, is this brutish intimidation intended to silence Dr Miria Matembe? Uganda’s corrupt military dictatorship is shameless.”
Another social media user, Ivan Beinomugisha, questioned the justification for the operation.”Why would you abduct Miria Matembe? She is just an arrogant Munyankole woman always speaking facts,” he wrote, although there was no official confirmation that Matembe had been abducted. Publicly available information indicates that her home was searched and electronic devices were seized.
Dr Judith Nalukwago also questioned the operation, writing: “Why would you disturb the peace of Miria Matembe? What has she done to warrant all that the security is doing?”Political commentator Ronald Muhinda recalled Matembe’s long-standing activism.
“Miria Matembe told us her only weapon is her mouth, her tool of activism. She has spoken powerfully. Now let those who have the power of force abduct her. Perhaps men should let women speak more against Muhoozi,” he posted.City lawyer Kiiza Eron simply confirmed the unfolding events by posting: “Security forces raid home of outspoken former minister Miria Matembe.”
GROWING POLITICAL TENSIONS
The incident comes at a time when political activity is intensifying ahead of Uganda’s 2026 General Election.Opposition politicians and civil society organisations have repeatedly alleged increased surveillance, arrests and restrictions on political activities.
Government officials have consistently rejected accusations of political persecution, insisting that security agencies investigate criminal offences without regard to political affiliation.Nonetheless, rights organisations have continued to document cases involving opposition politicians, activists and government critics who claim to have been subjected to arrests, searches or prolonged investigations.
AWAITING OFFICIAL EXPLANATION
By Tuesday evening, neither the Uganda Police Force nor any other security agency had publicly explained the legal basis of the search or disclosed whether any criminal investigation involving Matembe was underway.It also remained unclear whether the electronic gadgets seized from her residence would be subjected to forensic examination or later returned.
Political observers say the coming days may determine whether investigators provide clarity about the operation or whether the matter proceeds to court.For now, the raid has once again thrust Miria Matembe into the national spotlight.
Once a trusted member of the NRM government and now one of its fiercest critics, Matembe remains a powerful voice in Uganda’s political discourse.Until authorities explain why her residence was searched, questions are likely to persist over the motive behind the operation and whether it was linked to her activism, an ongoing criminal investigation or another undisclosed matter.
Author Profile
- Charles Gazza Kodili is a seasoned journalist with over 20 years of experience in the media industry. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication. He’s currently the Chief Editor at the Investigator.
Charles can also be reached via; Tel: +256 774 108978
Email: [email protected]
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