The arrest of former Ethics Minister Dr. Miria Matembe has drawn sharp reactions from civil society, with human rights lawyer Sarah Bireete describing her as a foundational figure in Uganda’s women’s rights movement.
In a statement issued after the arrest, Bireete portrayed Matembe as a central force behind the country’s gender equality gains, pointing to her historical role and continued influence in public life.
“Hon Dr. Miria Matembe is the current matriarch of the women’s movement in Uganda. She is the moral authority and guiding force behind women’s rights activism,” Bireete said.
The remarks come at a time of heightened scrutiny over recent arrests of political figures and activists, raising concerns about shrinking civic space in Uganda.
Bireete traced Matembe’s influence back to the early 1990s, particularly during the drafting of the 1995 Constitution, where women leaders played a key role in embedding gender equality into the country’s legal framework.
“She, together with other women leaders, helped shape, legitimize, and institutionalize the women’s movement at a critical historical moment of the making of the 1995 Constitution,” she stated.
According to Bireete, Matembe’s authority within the movement is rooted in her long-standing record of advocacy and principled leadership.
“Her voice carries weight because of her integrity, courage, and consistency in standing for women’s rights. She has inspired, mentored, and opened space for younger women leaders, activists, and policymakers,” she added.
The lawyer also highlighted the risks Matembe has taken over the years, noting her willingness to challenge entrenched systems of power.
“We acknowledge her willingness to confront patriarchy, state power, and cultural resistance, often at personal and political cost,” Bireete said.
“She represents the bridge between early struggles for women’s political inclusion and today’s gender equality discourse.”
Bireete concluded by emphasizing Matembe’s symbolic and historical position within Uganda’s women’s movement.
“Matembe today is the matriarch of the women’s movement because of her historical role, enduring influence, and symbolic motherhood over a movement that transformed women’s participation in public and political life.”
The arrest continues to generate debate, with activists warning that the move could have wider implications for rights advocacy and political expression in the country.