Veteran politician, lawyer, and women’s rights activist Miria Matembe has been missing for several days, sparking growing concern among her family, colleagues, and human rights activists.
Her relatives say the former Ethics and Integrity Minister disappeared after heavily armed security operatives raided her home in Luzira earlier this week.
According to her husband, Nehemiah Matembe, soldiers in both military uniform and plain clothes scaled the perimeter wall, searched the house, and confiscated electronic devices without explaining the purpose of the operation or presenting any warrant.
The family believes Matembe may have been intercepted while out on her usual morning jog, as she never returned home. Her mobile phones have remained switched off since then, leaving relatives desperately searching for answers.
Her relative, JK Kazoora, said the family has reported the matter to police and is appealing to anyone with information about her whereabouts to come forward.
Matembe, a respected lawyer and one of the key contributors to Uganda’s 1995 Constitution, has long been known for speaking out against corruption, defending women’s rights, and criticizing government policies. In recent months, she had openly challenged the government and senior officials, including Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, over governance and human rights issues.
Her disappearance has triggered widespread concern among civil society organizations and activists. Human rights defender Dr. Sarah Bireete, whose home was also recently raided by security operatives, joined other activists at a press conference demanding Matembe’s immediate release or disclosure of her whereabouts.
Using the hashtag #IStandWithMatembe, activists described her as a fearless defender of democracy and warned that her disappearance raises serious concerns about political intimidation during the post Uganda’s 2026 general elections.
Several Ugandan media outlets report that Matembe has been missing since around June 24, 2026. Despite mounting public pressure, neither the Uganda Police Force nor the Uganda People’s Defence Forces has issued an official statement on the incident.
Her family says they will continue searching until answers are provided, urging authorities to reveal her whereabouts and ensure her safety.
