Miria Matembe
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Former Ethics and Integrity Minister Miria Matembe has given a detailed account of a dramatic security operation at her lakeside residence in Luzira, Kampala, describing how unidentified operatives spent several hours searching the property and leaving with electronic devices while she was away.
The veteran politician, known for her outspoken criticism of President Yoweri Museveni’s government, said she first learned about the raid shortly after it began on Wednesday morning.
According to Matembe, the operation started at around 10:00 a.m. when security personnel arrived at her residence.
“At about 10:00 a.m., my caretakers called me and informed me that security operatives had arrived at my home,” Matembe said in a telephone interview. “I was not at home at the time, so I could only rely on what they were telling me as events unfolded.”
Minutes later, she received additional updates indicating that the operatives had entered the compound and begun conducting a search.
“By around 10:15 a.m., I was informed that they had started moving through different parts of the house,” she said. “The caretakers told me the officers appeared determined to inspect every room and every corner of the residence.”
As the morning progressed, Matembe remained in contact with those at the property. By approximately 11:00 a.m., she was informed that the search had intensified.
“They were reportedly opening drawers, examining documents and checking electronic equipment,” she said. “At that point, I still had no idea why they were there or what they were looking for.”
According to the former minister, the operation continued into the afternoon, with security personnel spending several hours inside the house.
“At midday, I was told they were still conducting their search. The caretakers said the exercise was extensive and thorough,” she recounted. “As the hours passed, I became increasingly concerned because nobody had communicated the purpose of the operation.”
By early afternoon, reports from the residence indicated that the operatives had begun collecting certain electronic devices.
“At around 2:00 p.m., I learned that some gadgets had been taken away,” Matembe said. “Even now, I am still trying to establish exactly what devices were removed and why they were considered important.”
She said the uncertainty surrounding the operation left her with many unanswered questions.
“I do not know what they were targeting,” she said. “I am still trying to understand whether there was an investigation involved, whether they were looking for specific information, or whether the intention was something else altogether.”
Matembe added that she could not rule out the possibility that the operation may have been intended to intimidate her.
“I have to ask myself whether they wanted to arrest me or abduct me, because no explanation has been provided,” she said.
The operation eventually ended later in the afternoon when the security personnel departed with the confiscated devices. No arrests were reported.
By Wednesday evening, security agencies had not issued an official statement explaining the raid or identifying the officers involved.
The incident comes amid heightened political tensions and follows months of outspoken commentary by Matembe on national affairs, including her criticism of the detention of opposition politician Kizza Besigye and her recent public exchanges with Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
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