I haven’t neglected my dad â€" Matembe

ETHICS and integrity minister Miria Matembe has refuted allegations that she doesn’t care for her 84-year-old father, Mzee Samwiri Rukoza, reports Okello Jabweli.Matembe was reacting to Rukoza’s claims on Saturday that she does not extend any assistance to him and that was why he lives in a poor house.“That man, even the suit he wore yesterday (Saturday at the wedding) ... that shirt... I am the one who bought them for him. Instead all you hear is ‘Matembe is fighting her father. Kazibwe is fighting her husband.’ What’s wrong with you people?” she asked. Matembe and her father have been in the news lately following reports that she tried to block his wedding to her step-mother. “I forgave my father a long time ago for all the problems he caused me. I continue to forgive him for all the troubles he is causing me,” Matembe said.“I have no grudge against my father. Easter is coming. I will drive down there and give him money like I have always done. Even that week before the wedding, I sent him money,” she said.Matembe said, “My father has a house like any other man of 80 years should live in. If you think I should build him a house of “matangula” (tiles) I don’t have that money,” she said. “Yes I am a minister. If my father thinks I should steal in order to build him a house I am not ready for that,” she added. Matembe refuted allegations that she tried to block her father’s wedding. “That man got married a long time ago after chasing away my mother. After learning that my father was intending to give all the property to his wife and disposes my sister-in-law and the orphans, I felt duty-bound to raise the matter with the church. What is wrong with that? “I simply wrote to the Reverend expressing the plight of my sister-in-law and the orphans. Instead of saying thank you, I am being called greedy,” Matembe said. “Greedy for what? I have got my own land. My sister in Canada has got a husband. She is married in Natete. I cannot go to claim property in Rutooma (her home area). “I just wanted to secure the land for the orphans since they don’t have any other estate. They have been staying with me but by culture I can’t take them to Mr. Matembe’s home. I cannot spare my father in defence of my sister-in-law and the orphans,” she said. Matembe rubbished suggestions that she settles her differences with her father through talks. “My brother and I are in position to help our father but can you imagine we only learnt of the wedding after the second announcement in church? “I am 48 years old. I have lived with my father all those years. I have cared for him and paid fees for his children. I know better why I don’t discuss with him,” Matembe said.