Former Ethics and Integrity Minister and veteran politician Miria Matembe has expressed concern for her safety after armed security operatives reportedly raided her home in Luzira, Kampala , in what observers describe as a troubling development amid growing political tensions in the country.
According to her husband, Nekemia Matembe, a group of armed men, including uniformed soldiers and plain-clothed operatives, stormed their residence yesturday morning while Matembe was away. The operatives allegedly jamped the perimeter wall and entered the compound without seeking permission from the home's security personnel.
Nekemia said he was having tea in the dining room when two women dressed in civilian clothing walked past him and proceeded toward the bedroom area. He said the women ignored his questions while armed soldiers stood guard on the balcony and around the compound.
"They did not introduce themselves or tell me why they had come," he said. "They spent a few minutes looking around before leaving." A vehicle commonly referred to as a "drone" was reportedly parked outside the residence during the operation.
At the time of the raid, Ms. Matembe was reportedly at a gym in Luzira. Her husband later contacted her driver, who confirmed her whereabouts. Despite her safety at the time, Nekemia expressed fears that the former minister could be arrested or abducted any time.
Speaking after the incident, Ms. Matembe said she believed the operatives had come looking for her. According to reports published by Daily Monitor, she revealed that she narrowly escaped arrest because she was away from home when the security team arrived.
"They found when I had already left. Had I been there, they would have taken me," Matembe reportedly said. She added that she was not intimidated by the operation and would continue speaking out on issues affecting the country despite the apparent threats.
The raid follows recent public exchanges involving Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba , who had previously made remarks suggesting that Ms. Matembe could be arrested. The former minister has in recent weeks criticized government actions and spoken out against what she describes as increasing political intolerance.
As of today, security agencies had not issued a formal explanation regarding the operation. Human rights activists and political observers have since called for transparency and accountability, warning that such incidents risk undermining public confidence in the rule of law and democratic freedoms.