Veteran Ugandan politician and women’s rights advocate Miria Matembe has spoken out shortly after her release from detention, delivering a statement that has stirred nationwide debate.Matembe said she holds no personal bitterness toward President Yoweri Museveni and Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, declaring: “I forgive Museveni and his son for they do not know what they are doing.”She emphasized that forgiveness does not mean surrender, insisting she remains committed to speaking out on justice, accountability, and democratic freedoms in Uganda.
According to Matembe, her detention did not weaken her resolve but instead strengthened her belief that citizens must freely express their views without fear. She urged leaders to embrace criticism rather than silence dissent.
Her remarks have since triggered mixed reactions across Uganda, with supporters praising her courage while others defend state actions as lawful and necessary for security.As debate continues, Matembe’s message of forgiveness combined with firm political conviction has added fresh fuel to ongoing discussions about governance, civil liberties, and political tolerance in the country.
About the Author
