By Swift Reporter
Reports landing on our desk indicate that security operatives on Wednesday raided the home of former Ethics and Integrity Minister Miria Matembe, conducting a search that reportedly lasted several hours before leaving with a number of electronic devices whose nature and purpose remain unclear.
Matembe confirmed the operation in a telephone interview, saying she was not at home when the security team arrived.
According to the former minister, caretakers informed her that operatives arrived at the residence at around 10:00 a.m., searched the premises and confiscated several electronic gadgets before leaving.
“The caretakers informed me that security operatives arrived at my home at around 10:00 a.m. in my absence, searched the house and took away several electronic devices. I am still trying to establish the purpose of the operation and what exactly they were looking for,” Matembe said.
In a separate account, she said those at the residence reported that the operatives forced their way into the property before carrying out a thorough search.
“They arrived at my home at around 10:00 a.m. in my absence. The caretakers informed me that the operatives forced their way inside, ransacked the house, and left with several items,” she said. “I am still trying to establish what they were targeting, or if their intention was to abduct me.”
The search reportedly lasted several hours, with operatives examining different parts of the residence before departing with the devices. By Wednesday evening, it remained unclear what items had been taken or whether the operation was linked to any ongoing investigation.
The raid comes at a time of heightened political tensions and increased scrutiny of relations between security agencies and government critics.
In recent months, Matembe has been among a number of public figures who have spoken out on national political issues, including the detention of opposition politician Kizza Besigye. She has publicly called for adherence to constitutional and legal procedures in handling political cases.
The former minister is also a longtime associate of Winnie Byanyima, who recently publicly thanked her for standing with the family during Besigye’s detention.
A veteran politician, women’s rights advocate and one of the prominent figures involved in Uganda’s constitutional reform process, Matembe was once a close ally of President Yoweri Museveni and served as Minister for Ethics and Integrity.
She later broke ranks with the ruling establishment in 2003 over her opposition to the removal of presidential term limits and has since emerged as a vocal advocate for constitutionalism, human rights and democratic governance.
Her recent public comments have also drawn attention. In recent weeks, Matembe exchanged remarks with Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba on social media and in public statements.
In one widely shared statement, she challenged security operatives to raid her residence, noting that her home was not fenced and saying her “angels” would protect her if anyone attempted to abduct her. The comments generated significant public debate and online discussion.
It remains unclear whether Wednesday’s operation was connected to those remarks, her political activism or any other matter under investigation.
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