Veteran politician and former Ethics and Integrity Minister Miria Matembe has once again openly criticised Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, making it clear that her previous alleged ordeal involving security operatives has not changed her willingness to speak out against what she considers wrong in Uganda’s leadership.

Matembe made the remarks on Tuesday while appearing on NBS Television’s Morning Breeze programme, where she questioned the growing involvement of the military in Uganda’s political affairs and challenged Muhoozi over his conduct as the country’s army chief.

During the discussion, Matembe suggested that the political environment established under the 1995 Constitution had significantly changed. She expressed fears about the direction the country was taking and declared that she was prepared to face whatever consequences might arise from speaking her mind, including death.

The veteran politician also suggested that her television appearance could be her last, claiming she had a feeling that Muhoozi’s security operatives might come for her again. She questioned why the army chief would be concerned about her criticism when she was simply exercising her right to speak.

Matembe further challenged Ugandans to overcome fear and openly question what she described as the increasing militarisation of government affairs. She also questioned the authority and legal status of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), making it clear that she would not remain silent because of fears of arrest or intimidation.

Her comments reportedly created an uncomfortable moment for the programme’s host, Njala, who appeared concerned about the possible consequences of the heated discussion. Matembe, however, continued expressing her views without backing down.

She also turned her criticism towards General Salim Saleh, accusing him of using his relationship with President Yoweri Museveni to exercise influence beyond what the Constitution provides. Matembe additionally expressed disappointment in Museveni over the continued detention of opposition politician Dr Kizza Besigye, questioning claims that Saleh was concerned about helping him while the government continued holding him in custody.

Matembe’s latest television appearance has once again brought attention to the tensions surrounding freedom of expression, military involvement in politics and the treatment of government critics in Uganda. Her remarks are likely to generate further public debate, particularly given her previous claims about an encounter with security operatives and her determination to continue speaking openly about the country’s political affairs.