Security operatives on Sunday detained two prominent civil society leaders and lawyers, Dr. Sarah Bireete and Eunice Musiime, before releasing them several hours later after questioning over the whereabouts of former Ethics and Integrity Minister Dr. Miria Matembe.
Dr. Bireete, Executive Director of the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG), and Musiime, who heads the Alliance for Women Advocating for Change (AWAC), were reportedly arrested at Musiime’s home in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District.
Their detention was confirmed by National Unity Platform (NUP) Treasurer Benjamin Katana, who said security personnel surrounded the residence, conducted a search, and took the two women into custody.
Katana said he had been speaking to one of them by phone shortly before communication was cut off and later verified the arrests through family members.
According to Katana, security officers allegedly entered the property by scaling the perimeter wall without first identifying themselves or obtaining permission to enter. He criticised the operation, arguing that it fell short of established legal procedures and infringed on the rights of those involved.
The arrests come amid an ongoing security operation linked to the search for Dr. Matembe, whose home in Luzira was raided last week. Sources familiar with the matter indicated that investigators believed Bireete and Musiime could have information regarding Matembe’s whereabouts.
Matembe’s husband, Nehemiah Matembe, said the family had been unable to reach her following the raid. Relatives said she had left home for her regular morning jog shortly before armed officers arrived and searched the residence. They alleged the officers neither identified themselves nor explained the purpose of the operation.
The developments follow recent public exchanges between Dr. Matembe and Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Two days before Sunday’s arrest, Dr. Bireete alleged that security personnel had also searched her residence, claiming approximately 20 soldiers forced their way into her home, conducted an extensive search, and took money and other belongings without explaining the reason for the operation. She said the officers informed her they were looking for Dr. Matembe and other individuals they suspected she was sheltering.
Bireete subsequently appealed to President Yoweri Museveni to address what she described as increasing fear and insecurity among citizens.
She has previously been placed under security restrictions at her residence on several occasions.
The two lawyers were later released after being questioned and establishing Dr. Matembe’s location.
Later, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba confirmed on his X account that Dr. Miria Matembe had been arrested and was being detained on allegations of impersonation.
In another post, he wrote, “Mzee has only one sister. Auntie Kajubiri,” without providing further details on the circumstances surrounding Matembe’s detention.
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