Former Ethics Minister Miria Matembe is at the centre of a growing political storm following a raid on her residence by security operatives on Wednesday, days after she made strong remarks targeting Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about political intolerance and freedom of expression in Uganda, particularly amid heightened tensions surrounding opposition politics and state authority.
Matembe’s comments were made during a recent interview in which she reacted to reports that opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, could face arrest upon returning to Uganda.
In a defiant tone, Matembe openly questioned Muhoozi’s authority and dismissed perceived threats against opposition figures.
“Who is Muhoozi? Who is Muhoozi? Let him tweet,” she said during the interview. She further declared that a time would come when Ugandans would “dance for the deliverance of this nation,” framing her remarks in both political and spiritual terms.
The former minister went on to challenge the government’s strategies, asserting that any plans aimed at suppressing dissent would ultimately fail.
She expressed confidence that divine intervention would prevail over what she described as efforts to control or intimidate critics.
Her statements, widely circulated on social media, appear to have triggered swift reactions within security circles.
On Wednesday, security operatives reportedly raided her home under unclear circumstances, though authorities have yet to issue an official statement explaining the operation.
The development has drawn mixed reactions from political observers and civil society actors. Some view the raid as a sign of increasing pressure on outspoken critics of the government, while others argue that public figures must exercise caution when making statements that could be interpreted as provocative.
Matembe, a long-time advocate for governance reforms and accountability, has in recent years become an increasingly vocal critic of Uganda’s political leadership.
Her latest remarks add to a series of statements in which she has questioned the direction of the country’s governance.
The situation also unfolds against the backdrop of ongoing concerns over the treatment of opposition figures, including restrictions, arrests, and surveillance.