Former Ethics Minister Miria Matembe has strongly criticized female Members of Parliament from the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) for their silence on human rights violations in Uganda.
She specifically called out their failure to condemn the brutal arrests of Dr. Kizza Besigye, a four-time presidential candidate, and other political activists.
Matembe while addressing young lawyers at the Uganda Law Society (ULS) headquarters in Kololo on Thursday argued that their silence not only undermines the fight for justice but also contradicts the very essence of women’s representation in politics.
“The push for gender equality was meant to bring diverse voices to the table, but what good is representation if it does not challenge injustice?” she questioned.
Matembe urged NRM’s female legislators to take a stand, warning that their inaction enables oppression and betrays the trust of the Ugandan people.
As a staunch advocate for democracy, Matembe previously resigned as chairperson of the Citizens’ Coalition for Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU), citing government interference in the organization’s work.
By Ben Musanje
13th March 2025
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