In a candid and pointed critique, seasoned politician and women’s rights activist Miria Matembe has openly condemned Uganda’s parliament, accusing it of functioning primarily to fulfill the wishes of President Yoweri Museveni. Speaking during a politically charged television show aired on a national broadcaster based in Ntinda, Matembe expressed frustration at what she described as a dysfunctional and transactional legislative body.
Matembe, known for her outspokenness on governance and democracy, held back no punches during her appearance. She alleged that the Parliament of Uganda merely rubber-stamps decisions dictated by President Museveni, rendering the institution ineffective and undermining its core responsibilities. According to Matembe, this has led to an erosion of trust in the country’s legislative process.
“The parliament we have today is purely transactional. It passes whatever Museveni wants, leaving no room for real debate or democratic decision-making,” Matembe declared emphatically. “Parliament is supposed to be independent and uphold the voice of the people, but right now, it’s nothing more than a tool used to advance the president’s agenda.”
One of the key moments she highlighted was an instance during the COVID-19 pandemic when President Museveni, speaking with authority, stated that there would be no elections by 2021 if the virus persisted in Uganda. Matembe pointed to this as an example of Museveni’s heavy-handed influence, stressing that the president’s unilateral declarations have profound impacts on the functioning of the country’s democratic processes.
“This is a clear demonstration of how decisions that are supposed to be made by parliament or electoral bodies are instead being dictated by the president. It shows a disregard for institutional independence,” she said.
Matembe’s criticism comes at a time when Uganda is grappling with questions around governance, transparency, and the separation of powers in government. Her comments reflect growing concerns among sections of the public and political commentators that Parliament, instead of acting as a check on executive power, has become subservient to the presidency.
As Uganda looks toward future elections and continues to navigate the complex terrain of post-pandemic recovery, Matembe’s comments serve as a reminder of the ongoing discourse around political accountability and governance in the country.
Matembe, a former Minister in Museveni’s government, has long been a vocal critic of this same regime she once served praised, advocating for stronger democratic institutions and the protection of human rights.
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