New details have emerged surrounding the arrest of former Ugandan minister Miria Matembe, shedding light on how security forces tracked and apprehended her after days of evading capture.
The information was disclosed by media personality JK Kazoora, Matembe’s nephew, hours after Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba publicly confirmed her arrest.
The development follows Matembe’s recent criticism of Muhoozi over the reported brutal arrest of Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago.
According to Kazoora, Matembe was arrested approximately two hours before he updated the public and was taken to Mbuya, a known military facility in Kampala.
“As of two hours ago, she was arrested and was taken to Mbuya. They have given her medication. From tomorrow or Tuesday we shall know if she is going to Luzira or be released,” Kazoora said.
Initial reports had suggested that Matembe was arrested on June 26, when security forces raided her residence. However, Kazoora clarified that she managed to evade arrest during the operation after receiving an early warning.
He explained that Matembe was out jogging at the time and received a tip-off about the impending raid. She reportedly hid in nearby bushes before seeking temporary refuge at a neighbour’s home.
She later relocated to a friend’s residence, where she stayed in hiding.
Kazoora further revealed that security forces eventually tracked her down through communication intercepts.
He said attempts to inform family members about her safety may have inadvertently exposed her location.
“I personally messaged the family members, but as of this morning, they arrested two of Auntie’s friends. I think they forgot to use WhatsApp calls or Telegram; they used normal calls. Security tracked them and got them in. These were the ones that revealed the whereabouts of Matembe,” he said.
The arrest has intensified debate over the conduct of security agencies and the shrinking space for dissent in Uganda, particularly following recent high-profile detentions of political and legal figures.
It remains unclear whether Matembe will face formal charges or be released in the coming days.