Uganda Women’s Movement, Rights Activists Rally Behind Miria Matembe, Condemn Alleged Harassment

26 June 2026, 2:41 pm

By Annet Nakato

The Uganda Women’s Movement has condemned what it describes as intimidation, harassment, and raids targeting veteran politician and women’s rights advocate Dr. Miria Matembe, calling on authorities to uphold the rule of law, respect constitutional rights, and ensure that any allegations against citizens are handled through due process.

At a solidarity gathering held under the theme, “We Stand on Shoulders That Refused to Bow,” women leaders, civil society organizations, and rights activists praised Dr. Matembe’s decades-long contribution to Uganda’s democratic development, women’s rights, and good governance while expressing concern over what they described as shrinking civic space.

In a joint statement, the movement described Dr. Matembe as a courageous leader who consistently championed justice, accountability, and gender equality long before such issues became widely accepted in public discourse.

“Long before it was fashionable to speak truth to power, Dr. Matembe did so,” the statement read, adding that she helped expand democratic and feminist ideals in Uganda.

The movement noted that throughout her public life, Dr. Matembe reminded Ugandans that democracy cannot thrive without women’s meaningful participation and that accountability without integrity is meaningless.

The group also paid tribute to Dr. Matembe and her husband, Nickemiah Matembe, describing them as distinguished public servants whose dedication to the country deserves recognition, appreciation, and protection.

However, the movement expressed concern over what it called increasing attacks on democratic freedoms, citing alleged raids on homes, harassment of citizens, and intimidation of activists.”Raids on homes, harassment of citizens, and intimidation of activists are not the hallmarks of democracy; they are tactics of repression,” the statement said.

The Uganda Media Women’s Association (UMWA), a member of the women’s movement and operator of Women’s Radio, has called on the government to restore public trust and protect citizens’ rights.

Speaking on behalf of the organization, UMWA Executive Director Margaret Ssentamu said Uganda is experiencing anxiety and uncertainty, making proper planning difficult and negatively affecting national development.

She noted that many citizens fear speaking out and urged authorities to uphold the rule of law, safeguard freedoms, and create an environment where people can express themselves without fear.

Addressing the media, Sarah Bireete, Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG), emphasized that democratic governance requires state institutions to operate within the law and respect the rights of every citizen, regardless of political affiliation or opinion.

“Public institutions must operate within the law and respect the rights of all citizens.

Where there are allegations against any individual, due process should be followed instead of actions that create fear and intimidation,” Bireete said.

She urged authorities to uphold constitutionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights by ensuring that any investigations are conducted through established legal procedures.

The Uganda Women’s Movement similarly called for an end to any alleged raids on Dr. Matembe’s home, insisting that if she is suspected of committing any offence, law enforcement agencies should act within the law.

“If Dr. Matembe is suspected of committing any crime, let her be summoned by the police in accordance with the laws of Uganda,” the statement emphasized.

Former Leader of Opposition and women’s rights advocate Dr. Winnie Kizza also condemned the alleged harassment of Dr. Matembe, describing it as an attack not only on an individual but also on Uganda’s elders and voices of conscience

Kizza said the treatment of the veteran politician reflected a growing disregard for senior citizens, accountability, and dignity.”We cry because we love this country,” Kizza said.

“The mothers of the nation are being harassed, voices of reason are being silenced, and there is no longer respect for elders or for those who have helped shape this nation.

“She argued that every society depends on respected elders to mentor younger generations and hold leaders accountable, warning that undermining such individuals weakens the country’s moral foundation.

Kizza praised Dr. Matembe’s long record of public service, saying she deserved honour rather than intimidation.

She also acknowledged the support of Dr. Matembe’s husband throughout her years of public service and called on Ugandans to seek divine guidance amid the country’s current challenges.

The Uganda Women’s Movement concluded by reaffirming its commitment to defending democratic values, protecting civic freedoms, and standing in solidarity with citizens facing intimidation.