You could tell from the entire exercise today that she was internally struggling with something. Perhaps Matembe’s tears yesterday did not let her sleep peacefully, plus all the public sentiments that followed. She finally gathered the courage to say words that many of her colleagues in Temples of (in)Justice have dishonourably failed to say, as they chose to enable oppression of the persecuted. Her conscience has refused to die while she lives. It might be only one instance, but she deserves flowers and respect. Keep that way Sheilla Gloria Atim, regardless. May history count you among those that stood up in the storm. Perhaps more consciences could be gradually woken back to life. Perhaps they’ll be challenged by her courage to say those few words.
Members of the Uganda Women’s Movement across all generations have camped at Luzira court the whole day, waiting for the outcome of Hon. Dr. Miria Matembe’s bail application.
Ruling in a few #FreeMiriaMatembe
MAMA MIRIA MATEMBE WORDS:
“I am not asking to run away. I am asking to be treated as a human being. I came seeking medical attention because I know my body, and I know something is wrong. Please allow me to go for the scan. If you need evidence, let the medical examination provide it. Evidence should not only come from paperwork when a person’s condition is right before your eyes.
I ask for mercy, justice, and compassion. May God give us all hearts that value human dignity. Justice without humanity is not justice at all.”
Seeing a 73-year-old woman in such a frail condition and then hearing she has been sent to Luzira is heartbreaking. I pray that her health is protected, that she receives any medical care she needs, and that justice is administered fairly and transparently.
Uganda belongs to all of us. May we never lose our compassion for one another, even in times of deep political disagreement.
Lord, heal our land. Grant wisdom to our leaders, justice to our institutions, and peace to our nation. 🇺🇬🙏🏾
#FreeMiriaMatembe
FOR GOD AND MY COUNTRY
Standing with you Mr Matembe.
Praying for Miria’s safety and return home.
We will not fear the bullies.
We will speak the truth and defend human rights.
Just as @miriamatembe always did.
The other day I was talking about the dehumanising housing conditions of police officers, the tins (unipots). I’m made to learn that it’s actually a privilege to get them, and that it is the same for Prisons officers. For Prisons, I’m told that some of them stay in dormitory settings, separated by curtains, with wives! If one has money, they can build their own on Prisons land, which they can sell or rent out upon being transferred. And because these institutions do not usually entertain free speech, the officers just accept their conditions to avoid reprisals. But, with all the money wasted in this county, can’t these officers (especially in low ranks) be thought about as well to live decent lives? Their work itself is already a sacrifice, why add on the burden of housing them like building site materials! The problem is not that the country can’t afford. Its priorities.
Hon Dr. Miria Matembe is the current matriarch of the women’s movement in Uganda. She is the moral authority and guiding force behind women’s rights activism. She, together with other women leaders, helped shape, legitimize, and institutionalize the women’s movement at a critical historical moment of the making of the 1995 Constitution.
Her voice carries weight because of her integrity, courage, and consistency in standing for women’s rights. She has inspired, mentored, and opened space for younger women leaders, activists, and policymakers.
We acknowledge her willingness to confront patriarchy, state power, and cultural resistance, often at personal and political cost. She represents the bridge between early struggles for women’s political inclusion and today’s gender equality discourse.
Matembe today is the matriarch of the women’s movement because of her historical role, enduring influence, and symbolic motherhood over a movement that transformed women’s participation in public and political life. #FreeMiriaMatembe
We convened as women of Uganda from across the 2Gs (geography and Generation) in solidarity with Hon Dr Miria Matembe’s safety and security, our call very clear!
As the lawyers at @ug_lawsociety prepare to strike this Friday, let us be reminded that in East Africa, we are each other's keeper. #CrossBorderSolidarity
NTV visited the home of Maria Matembe after it's military invasion and talk to his husband who was at home by the time.
Man was left terrified bambi. 😢