Matembe Alleges 'Silent Overthrow' of Uganda's Constitution by Museveni Government

Miria Matembe, a former minister for Ethics and Integrity, has broken her silence following a nearly two-month detention, asserting that President Museveni’s government is systematically undermining Uganda’s Constitution. Matembe, who played a role in drafting the 1995 Constitution, stated that widespread human rights violations and the alleged manipulation of justice institutions amount to a “silent overthrow” of the country’s supreme law.

Speaking publicly for the first time since her arrest and subsequent release on bail in June, Matembe recounted her own experience. She described her arrest and charges of sectarianism as evidence of a broader trend of political repression and abuse of power. “The Constitution has been silently overthrown by President Museveni’s government through gross human rights violations and abuse of power,” she declared.

Matembe raised concerns about the safety of Ugandans, highlighting what she perceives as an increasing number of political arrests and the targeting of citizens with dissenting views. She pointed to the continued detention and prosecution of prominent opposition figures and activists, including Dr. Kizza Besigye, Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, and several National Unity Platform (NUP) members, as clear indicators of government excesses.

Furthermore, Matembe accused the Judiciary of losing its independence, suggesting it has become an instrument of oppression. She cited the bail ruling that secured her release as an anomaly, noting that such fair decisions have become rare. The transfer of the magistrate who granted her bail, she mentioned, further underscored her concerns about judicial independence.

As a veteran figure involved in the constitution-making process, Matembe emphasized that the current trajectory deviates significantly from the original intent of the Constitution, which was designed to protect citizens. She vowed not to be silenced despite her ordeal, stating, “I will not be silenced amid this constitutional abuse and gross violation of human rights.”

Matembe also called for a national dialogue among political parties to address the growing political tensions, human rights abuses, and what she described as a drift towards a one-party system. She urged Ugandans not to remain silent in the face of injustice, invoking President Museveni’s own history of activism against oppression.

This powerful critique comes at a time of heightened political scrutiny in Uganda, with opposition figures frequently facing legal challenges. Matembe’s personal experience has seemingly propelled her from a former government insider to a vocal critic of the current administration.

This article is based on information from Nile Post.