KAMPALA, Uganda — Veteran politician and women’s rights advocate Miria Matembe has accused President Yoweri Museveni of ridiculing her during his recent national address, but says she has chosen to forgive both the President and his son, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Matembe responded to remarks made by Museveni during a televised address on July 4, in which the President questioned videos showing her arriving at and leaving court.
Museveni referenced footage from Matembe’s recent court appearance, suggesting there appeared to be a difference in how she walked when entering and exiting the courtroom.
“I could even see my sister Matembe limping into the court. When she was coming in court, she came limping, and I was worried. But when she was leaving court, she had forgotten to repeat the scene. I saw the video,” Museveni said.
Matembe says remarks were hurtful
Responding to the comments, Matembe said she was deeply hurt by what she perceived as public mockery from the Head of State.
She argued that the remarks came shortly after what she described as mistreatment during her arrest and detention.
“As I listened to my brother Museveni’s state address in which he made a mockery of me and even laughed after his son had captured me, disrespected me and mistreated me, I was deeply hurt,” she said.
Matembe said she turned to prayer and reflection after hearing the President’s remarks, drawing parallels with the biblical story of Cain and Abel.
According to her, the story reminded her of the responsibility individuals have toward one another, particularly within families and communities.
“I imagined my brother Museveni was revealing to the state that he is not a keeper of his sister,” she said.
The former minister also urged the President to reflect on the lessons from the biblical account and the consequences that followed Cain’s actions.
‘I forgive him and his son’
Despite her criticism, Matembe said she harboured no bitterness toward either Museveni or Gen. Muhoozi.
“Otherwise I pray for him; I forgive him and his son because they do not know what they are doing,” she said.
Also Read: Miria Matembe’s remand: Did Museveni break his ‘you will never be arrested’ promise?
Her comments appeared to signal a conciliatory tone even as she continued to challenge the government’s treatment of political critics.
Background to the case
Matembe was granted bail on Friday after spending several days in custody on charges of promoting sectarianism.
Prosecutors allege that remarks she made during a television interview were likely to promote hostility against members of the Banyankole ethnic community.
She was arrested at her residence in Luzira and later arraigned before court.
The charges have generated debate among civil society organisations and political observers, with some questioning whether the prosecution could affect freedom of expression and political discourse.
The government has maintained that the case is being handled in accordance with the law.
A long-time ally turned critic
Matembe is one of Uganda’s most prominent political figures and women’s rights advocates.
She served as Minister of Ethics and Integrity and was a member of the Constituent Assembly that drafted Uganda’s 1995 Constitution.
Once a close ally of Museveni and the National Resistance Movement (NRM), she later became one of the government’s most outspoken critics, frequently challenging official policies on governance, democracy and human rights.
Over the years, she has remained active in public debates on constitutionalism, accountability and women’s empowerment.
Her latest exchange with the President adds another chapter to a political relationship that has evolved from partnership to open disagreement.
