Former Ethics Minister and human rights activist Miria Matembe has said she fears for her life after security operatives reportedly entered and searched parts of her Luzira home while she was away.
Her husband, Mr Nkemia Matembe, said the incident happened on Wednesday morning when a group of security personnel arrived at the family residence. He said two women in civilian clothes entered the house, while two armed men in military uniform and another man in plain clothes stayed outside.
“I was seated having tea, when I saw two plain-clothed women enter the compound. They walked past me through the corridor and headed toward the bedroom area,” Mr Matembe said.
He said the women did not explain why they had entered the home.
“On looking outside, I saw two soldiers in uniform wearing masks. There was also a tall, heavily built man in civilian clothes standing on the balcony. While the men said they did not want anything, the women remained near the bedrooms,” he added.
Matembe says she was warned to be careful
Daily Monitor contacted Ms Matembe after learning of the reported incident. She confirmed that she was not at home when the operatives arrived.
“I was called and told to watch my steps because of this incident. My life is in danger, and I don’t know what to do at this time,” she said.
The incident comes amid concern over the detention of opposition politicians and government critics.
Mr Matembe said the visitors did not knock before entering the house. He said the doors were open at the time.
“The doors were open. One entered through the kitchen side and another came through the main entrance and walked down the corridor. One of them entered the master bedroom. I followed her with my eyes and again asked what she wanted, but she did not answer. She went into the bedroom, looked around and inspected the area near the bed. I did not enter the room with her. After some time, she came out,” he said.
According to Mr Matembe, the women later joined the man outside. He said they walked around the house through the kitchen area before returning to their vehicle and leaving.
Security officials yet to comment
By press time, Ms Matembe’s whereabouts had not been publicly disclosed. Highly placed sources told Daily Monitor that security operatives were still looking for her.
“She is currently in hiding and the military is moving from one place to another searching for her. We don’t know if they will find her or not, but she is a wanted person,” a source said.
Repeated calls to Col Chris Magezi, the Acting Director of Defence Public Information, went unanswered. Text messages sent to his known telephone number had also not been answered by press time.
Mr Matembe described the incident as traumatic. He said the way the operatives entered the compound raised serious concern.
Reported raid follows Matembe criticism of Lukwago arrest
The reported search came days after Ms Matembe criticised the manner in which former Kampala mayor Erias Lukwago was picked from his home and detained.
She had urged authorities to treat Ugandans with dignity.
Mr Lukwago, who represents opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye and his aide Obeid Lutale Kamulegeya, was held for two days before being transferred to Kira Division Police Station.
He was later produced in court and remanded.