Veteran Politician Miria Matembe Arrested After Two Days in Hiding

Veteran politician and women’s rights activist Miria Matembe has been arrested after spending two days in hiding following a security operation at her home in Luzira, according to her family.

Matembe’s nephew, media personality JK Kazoora, confirmed that she was taken into custody about two hours before he shared the update. He said she was transferred to Mbuya, where she was given her medication.

“As of two hours ago, she was arrested and taken to Mbuya. They have given her medication. From tomorrow or Tuesday we shall know whether she is going to Luzira or be released,” Kazoora said.

The arrest came just days after security operatives raided Matembe’s home while she was away. Initial reports suggested she had been arrested during the operation, but Kazoora later revealed that she had escaped after receiving a warning while out on her morning jog.

According to the family, Matembe hid in nearby bushes before seeking refuge at a neighbour’s home. She later moved to a friend’s house, where she remained for two days as security officers continued searching for her.

Kazoora said he had spoken with senior government officials on Sunday, who assured him that security agencies were no longer pursuing Matembe and that it was safe for her to come out of hiding.

However, he believes that information shared with relatives and friends may have ultimately led security officers to her location.

“I personally informed family members, but this morning they arrested two of Auntie’s friends. I think they used ordinary phone calls instead of encrypted apps like WhatsApp calls or Telegram. The calls were tracked, and security was able to locate them. Those friends eventually revealed where Matembe was,” Kazoora alleged.

Earlier, security operatives briefly detained Matembe’s friends, Dr Sarah Bireete and Eunice Musiime, before releasing them. It has not been confirmed whether they are the same individuals Kazoora referred to in his account.

The security raid on Matembe’s Luzira residence took place on Friday. Her husband, Nehemiah Matembe, said officers searched the home without identifying themselves or explaining the purpose of the operation. They reportedly left without making any arrests.

After the raid, the family reported Matembe missing, saying they feared security personnel may have intercepted her while she was exercising outside her home.

Matembe, a former Minister for Ethics and Integrity and one of the framers of Uganda’s 1995 Constitution, has in recent years become an outspoken critic of the government. She has repeatedly condemned alleged human rights violations, enforced disappearances, and what she describes as the increasing role of the military in the country’s politics.

Her family says they are now waiting for authorities to clarify her legal status and determine whether she will be formally charged, transferred to Luzira Prison, or released.

“We pray that all will be okay by Tuesday,” Kazoora said.