Former Minister of Ethics and Integrity and veteran human rights activist Miria Matembe has condemned the escalating violence and politically-motivated arrests during the 2026 campaign season, urging security agencies to uphold accountability and protect citizens’ rights.
Speaking on NBS Frontline on Thursday, Matembe expressed deep concern over what she described as a persistent pattern of electoral violence since the return to multiparty politics.
“Ever since we went into multiparty democracy, the elections have been marred by violence,” she said, urging security organs to act professionally and impartially.
Matembe acknowledged the difficult position police officers face during political transitions, noting, “Whenever there is a change of government, police is the first thing to be dissolved.” She called on officers to enforce the law rather than follow partisan directives.
Addressing recent clashes involving supporters of National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine), Matembe emphasized that “They should have arrested those people who beat up Bobi Wine’s group in Mbarara.”
She also strongly condemned violence against women, saying, “In the name of Jesus, I curse all those people who strip women naked and embarrass us.”
Her remarks come after a series of arrests linked to NUP campaign activities, particularly along the Mbarara–Ibanda Road, where Bobi Wine’s convoy was en route to a rally in Bwizibwera, Mbarara District. Bobi Wine accused police and individuals wearing NRM-branded T-shirts of assaulting his supporters.
Those arrested face charges including obstruction of police officers, robbery, malicious damage to property, and traffic-related offences such as driving without licences, riding without helmets, and operating uninsured vehicles.
Additional charges relate to alleged participation in unauthorized military-style drills during a February 12, 2025 NUP parade at Makerere–Kavule headquarters for Bobi Wine’s 43rd birthday.
High-profile NUP figures among the accused include Deputy Party Spokesperson and Nakawa East MP aspirant Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, Kampala Central Woman Lord Councillor aspirant Saudah Madaada, NUP Party School Coordinator Dorren Kaija, and six of Kyagulanyi’s close aides, including Edward Ssebufu (Eddie Mutwe) and Achileo Kivumbi. All have pleaded not guilty.
NUP leaders have condemned the arrests as politically motivated persecution ahead of the 2026 elections, arguing that they violate constitutional rights to assembly, movement, and political expression. They reiterated calls for the release of political prisoners, noting that some detainees have spent over five years in prison without trial, raising concerns about due process.
Matembe called on authorities, security agencies, and political actors to exercise restraint and respect democratic norms as the election season intensifies.
She stressed that Uganda’s political future depends on upholding the rule of law and safeguarding citizens from intimidation and human rights abuses.
Her statements add to the national debate on electoral fairness, the conduct of security forces, and the protection of civil liberties ahead of the 2026 polls.