Former Ethics and Integrity Minister Miria Matembe has sharply criticised the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and the Electoral Commission (EC) chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, over what she describes as an “unacceptable” interference in Uganda’s electoral process.
Speaking to Daily Monitor, Matembe questioned the CDF’s involvement in the EC, asking, “What right does the Chief of Defence Forces have to enter the office of the Electoral Commission and give orders? Why should he think he’s a god in this country?”
She also targeted the EC chair, accusing him of compromising the independence of the electoral body. “As for the chairman of the Electoral Commission, he should be ashamed and embarrassed. He knows all the laws, he was DPP, he was a judge, he knows what free and fair means, and he knows what elections mean. What right does he have to tell Ugandans not to enjoy the one single right they are exercising?” Matembe said.
While appearing on NTV Uganda’s On The Spot program in October, Matembe stressed the importance of respecting Uganda’s founding principles. “Article One of the Constitution, which I helped draft as one of the 21 members of the Constituent Assembly, clearly states that power belongs to the people and shall be exercised through regular, free, and fair elections. So why do you take away the people’s power and use sham elections to claim authority in this country? That is unacceptable.”
The veteran politician also reflected on Uganda’s broader democratic challenges since independence. She lamented that ideals of unity, justice, and equality remain unfulfilled and highlighted the country’s ongoing struggle with corruption and nepotism.
“The levels of corruption, greed, selfishness, and nepotism were much lower in the past compared to today, and these vices now greatly undermine the goals of unity, justice, and equality,” she said.
On political freedoms, Matembe expressed disappointment over the state of independence in Uganda. “How can we truly call ourselves independent when we lack both political and economic freedom? To me, the independence we dreamed of for our people remains unfulfilled.”
Reflecting on historical parallels, she also recalled moments when constitutional principles were disregarded, noting, “When Museveni said the Constitution is merely a piece of paper, it reminded many of Obote. That marked the beginning of the struggle over the principles of power, leading to conflict with the 6th Parliament as Museveni sought to assert control.”
