Former Aruu County Member of Parliament Odonga Otto broke down in tears during a live radio talk show on Saturday morning as he passionately appealed to authorities and the country to account for the whereabouts of former Ethics and Integrity Minister Miria Matembe, whose family says they have been unable to reach her following a reported security operation at her home.
In one of the most emotional moments witnessed on Ugandan airwaves in recent months, Otto struggled to contain his emotions as he repeatedly asked, “Where is Miria Matembe? What has happened to her?”The veteran politician, known for his fiery political speeches, paused several times as tears streamed down his face while speaking about his longtime friend and fellow democracy advocate.
“No one deserves to disappear simply because they hold different political opinions,” Otto said, his voice breaking with emotion. “Miria has spent her entire life fighting for justice, human rights and constitutionalism. Today we cannot even tell her family where she is.”His emotional appeal came hours after family spokesperson J.K. Kazoora expressed fears that the former minister may have been taken by security personnel following a reported operation at her residence. Kazoora said the family had been unable to establish her whereabouts and called upon the authorities to clarify her status.
The claims have heightened anxiety among Matembe’s relatives, political colleagues and civil society leaders, who are demanding either her immediate release if she is in state custody or public disclosure of her whereabouts.
GROWING CONCERN
Matembe has in recent years emerged as one of the country’s most outspoken critics of government, frequently speaking out on governance, constitutionalism and human rights.She has also openly criticised Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba on a number of occasions, expressing concern over the increasing role of the military in Uganda’s political affairs.
Her outspoken positions have made her a prominent voice within Uganda’s democratic movement, earning admiration from supporters while drawing criticism from government loyalists.The reported security operation at her home, followed by uncertainty surrounding her whereabouts, has therefore sparked widespread concern among politicians, lawyers, religious leaders and civil society organisations.
For many observers, the disappearance of such a prominent national figure raises troubling questions about freedom of expression and the safety of government critics.
OTTO REDUCED TO TEARS
Throughout the radio programme, Odonga Otto appeared visibly shaken. Listeners could hear long pauses as he attempted to compose himself before continuing his appeal. “We are not asking for special treatment,” Otto said. “We are simply asking for the truth. Is she safe? Where is she? Let her family know where she is.”
He described Matembe as one of Uganda’s bravest women, recalling decades during which she consistently challenged injustice regardless of the political cost.”There are very few people who have remained consistent like Miria Matembe,” Otto said. “She has spoken for ordinary Ugandans without fear. She deserves protection, not fear.”
His emotional interview quickly spread across social media, where many Ugandans shared clips of the broadcast while expressing concern over Matembe’s welfare.
RIGHTS ACTIVISTS DEMAND ANSWERS
Leading human rights defender Sarah Birete joined growing calls demanding accountability over Matembe’s disappearance.Birete urged authorities to respect constitutional rights and immediately disclose the former minister’s whereabouts if she is being lawfully detained.
“No family should be left in uncertainty,” she said, adding that every detained person has a right to communicate with relatives and legal representatives.Former Kampala Deputy Lord Mayor Doreen Nyanjura also condemned the reported events.
She called for Matembe’s immediate and unconditional release if she is indeed being held by state agencies, arguing that Uganda’s Constitution guarantees every citizen protection from arbitrary arrest and enforced disappearance.
“Miria Matembe has every right to express her political views without intimidation,” Nyanjura said. Former Forum for Democratic Change president Salam Musumba described the reports as deeply disturbing.Musumba praised Matembe’s long record of public service and described her as one of Uganda’s fearless defenders of democracy.
“Whether people agree with her or not, Miria has earned respect through decades of principled leadership,” Musumba said. “Ugandans deserve to know where she is.”Former Leader of Opposition Winnie Kiiza also demanded transparency from the authorities.
Kiiza called for Matembe’s immediate and unconditional release if she is in custody, saying uncertainty surrounding her whereabouts only fuels public anxiety.”No Ugandan should vanish without explanation,” Kiiza said. “The authorities have an obligation to uphold the Constitution and respect the rights of every citizen.”
A DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVANT
Miria Matembe remains one of Uganda’s most recognisable female political figures.She served in Parliament for many years and later became Minister of Ethics and Integrity before eventually leaving government and becoming an outspoken advocate for democratic reforms.
Throughout her public life, she consistently championed women’s rights, constitutional governance and accountability.Her willingness to criticise leaders across the political divide earned her both admirers and opponents.
Even after leaving active elective politics, Matembe continued participating in public debates, often cautioning against shrinking civic space and increasing political intolerance.Friends say she remained committed to peaceful activism and constitutional methods of political engagement.
CALLS FOR TRANSPARENCY
Human rights organisations say the uncertainty surrounding Matembe’s whereabouts reflects wider concerns over alleged enforced disappearances involving political activists and government critics.Legal experts argue that if an individual is arrested, the law requires authorities to acknowledge the detention, allow access to lawyers and family members and present the suspect before court within the prescribed constitutional period.
As concern continued to spread throughout Saturday, opposition leaders and civil society organisations maintained pressure on security agencies to publicly clarify Matembe’s status.Across social media, the message remained remarkably consistent: “Where is Miria Matembe?”
For Odongo Otto, whose emotional breakdown captured the nation’s attention, the question has become intensely personal.Fighting back tears during the closing moments of the programme, he made one final appeal.
“If Miria can hear us wherever she is, we are praying for her. If those holding her can hear us, please let her go home. Uganda cannot claim to believe in justice while families are left crying and searching for their loved ones.”By Saturday evening, there had been no official public statement confirming Matembe’s whereabouts, leaving relatives, friends and supporters anxiously awaiting answers.
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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