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Uganda Women’s Movement rallies behind Miria Matembe, condemns home raid
“We affirm the importance of respecting those who have served Uganda with distinction. Both Dr Miria Matembe and Mr Nickemiah Matembe have given their lives to public service, and that service must be honoured, not undermined,” Sanyu said.
Veteran politician and women’s rights champion Dr Miria Matembe (pictured). Matebe's home was raided on Wednesday, June 24. (File phoro)
By: Nelson Mandela Muhoozi, Journalist @New Vision
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The Uganda Women’s Movement has strongly condemned what it described as the harassment and intimidation of veteran politician and women’s rights champion Dr Miria Matembe.
The movement has called for an immediate end to raids on her home and respect for the rule of law. The call was made today Friday, during a press briefing held at Eureka Hotel in Ntinda, Kampala.
During the meeting, women’s rights advocate Penelope Sanyu read a solidarity statement on behalf of the women's movement under the theme, “We Stand on Shoulders That Refused to Bow.”
Addressing journalists, Sanyu said the gathering was intended to express solidarity with Dr Matembe, whom the movement described as one of Uganda's most courageous voices for democracy, accountability and women’s rights.
“At a time when voices of integrity are being silenced, the Ugandan women’s movement extends its deepest respect, solidarity and concern for Dr Miria Matembe, a woman whose courage has, for decades, expanded the democratic and feminist imagination of this country,” Sanyu said.
The movement praised Matembe for consistently speaking truth to power long before gender equality became mainstream in public policy discussions, saying she had championed justice, dignity and accountability throughout her public life.
According to Sanyu, Matembe’s contribution to the country’s democratic development extends beyond women’s rights advocacy, with the movement crediting her for reminding the nation that “democracy without women is incomplete" and that "accountability without integrity is hollow.”
The activists also paid tribute to both Dr Miria Matembe and her husband, Nickemiah Matembe, saying the couple had dedicated their lives to public service and deserved respect rather than intimidation.
“We affirm the importance of respecting those who have served Uganda with distinction. Both Dr Miria Matembe and Mr Nickemiah Matembe have given their lives to public service, and that service must be honoured, not undermined,” Sanyu said.
“At a time when voices of integrity are being silenced, the Ugandan women’s movement extends its deepest respect, solidarity and concern for Dr Miria Matembe, a woman whose courage has, for decades, expanded the democratic and feminist imagination of this country,” Sanyu said.
The movement praised Matembe for consistently speaking truth to power long before gender equality became mainstream in public policy discussions, saying she had championed justice, dignity and accountability throughout her public life.
According to Sanyu, Matembe’s contribution to the country’s democratic development extends beyond women’s rights advocacy, with the movement crediting her for reminding the nation that “democracy without women is incomplete" and that "accountability without integrity is hollow.”
The activists also paid tribute to both Dr Miria Matembe and her husband, Nickemiah Matembe, saying the couple had dedicated their lives to public service and deserved respect rather than intimidation.
“We affirm the importance of respecting those who have served Uganda with distinction. Both Dr Miria Matembe and Mr Nickemiah Matembe have given their lives to public service, and that service must be honoured, not undermined,” Sanyu said.
The women’s movement further expressed concern over what it described as a growing pattern of repression against activists and citizens.
“Today, that legacy of service is under siege. Raids on homes, harassment of citizens and intimidation of activists are not the hallmarks of democracy; they are the tactics of repression. Institutions meant to protect rights are being weaponized against those who dare to defend them,” Sanyu said.
Movement’s demands
The movement issued three key demands: an immediate halt to raids on Dr Matembe’s home, an end to raids on Ugandan citizens, and adherence to constitutional procedures in handling any criminal allegations.
“If Dr Matembe is suspected of committing any crime, let the Police summon her in accordance with the laws of Uganda. Anything less is an assault on the Constitution, on citizens' rights and on the democratic fabric of this nation,” the women argued.
“Today, that legacy of service is under siege. Raids on homes, harassment of citizens and intimidation of activists are not the hallmarks of democracy; they are the tactics of repression. Institutions meant to protect rights are being weaponized against those who dare to defend them,” Sanyu said.
Movement’s demands
The movement issued three key demands: an immediate halt to raids on Dr Matembe’s home, an end to raids on Ugandan citizens, and adherence to constitutional procedures in handling any criminal allegations.
“If Dr Matembe is suspected of committing any crime, let the Police summon her in accordance with the laws of Uganda. Anything less is an assault on the Constitution, on citizens' rights and on the democratic fabric of this nation,” the women argued.