Matembe’s Call to Opposition Sparks Debate on Uganda’s Political Realignments

A recorded telephone conversation has emerged between Uganda’s Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and former Minister of Ethics and Integrity, Hon. Miria Matembe, in which the outspoken politician sounded both urgent and desperate as she sought an appointment to meet Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP) and now a presidential candidate.

The call, which was made prior to Kyagulanyi’s formal nomination, did not reveal the exact agenda Matembe intended to discuss, but it has stirred debate among observers about shifting political alliances and the reawakening of old battles over Uganda’s governance.

Matembe’s Search for Political Space

Before reaching out to Kyagulanyi, sources allege  that Matembe had earlier sought a private meeting with President Yoweri Museveni, her former political ally, but the President reportedly shrugged off her request. This snub, political analysts argue, could explain why Matembe redirected her efforts toward opposition leaders.

Matembe, once a key figure in the Museveni government, dramatically fell out with the ruling establishment in 2005 when President Museveni spearheaded the removal of presidential term limits from the 1995 Constitution. For Matembe, a strong advocate for democracy and constitutionalism, this was a betrayal of the very principles upon which the country’s new constitutional order had been built.

From Museveni’s Ally to Vocal Critic

As Minister of Ethics and Integrity, Matembe had earned a reputation for her boldness and insistence on moral governance. Her fallout with Museveni marked a turning point in her political career, positioning her as one of the ruling party’s fiercest critics.

Her latest attempt to reconnect politically, coupled by her consistent rebuke of Museveni’s governance  through  the opposition, is being interpreted as an effort to stay put on  resisting Museveni in a rapidly shifting political landscape, particularly as the 2026[tps_title][/tps_title] elections set the stage for what many believe could be Uganda’s most contested polls.

What the Conversation Suggests

While the contents of the recorded call did not disclose details of the intended agenda with Kyagulanyi, analysts suggest that Matembe may have been seeking common ground on matters of governance, accountability, and democracy—causes she has championed throughout her career.

Whether her approach will be embraced by the opposition remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the resurfacing of Matembe’s voice in Uganda’s political arena rekindles memories of her long-standing struggle against authoritarian tendencies in the country’s leadership.

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