Media personality Mordecai Muriisa has weighed in on recent remarks by Buganda Prime Minister Charles Peter Mayiga, describing them as a turning point in Uganda’s growing debate over abductions and the rule of law.
Mayiga, while addressing the Buganda Lukiiko during the kingdom’s 2026/2027 budget reading, strongly condemned what he termed as unlawful arrests and detentions.
He specifically referenced the reported abduction and detention of former Ethics Minister Miria Matembe, warning that such actions undermine legal frameworks and public trust.
Reacting to the statement, Muriisa said Mayiga’s intervention signals that “the wall of silence is finally beginning to crack” amid rising public concern over security operations targeting critics.
“For days, Ugandans have watched as abductions and detentions dominate national debate, yet many influential voices have remained silent,” Muriisa noted. He described Mayiga’s remarks as a “political thunderbolt” that has disrupted that silence.
The Katikkiro had emphasized that suspects must be handled through lawful procedures, including formal summons, transparent arrests conducted by identifiable officers, and detention in gazetted facilities.
His comments come against the backdrop of recent incidents, including those involving Matembe and Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, which have drawn criticism from civil society.
Muriisa argued that Mayiga’s decision to speak out places pressure on other influential figures across sectors.
He questioned the continued silence of cultural leaders, religious figures, and members of the business community, noting that their voices carry significant influence in shaping national discourse.
“If the Katikkiro can speak out, why are so many other prominent Ugandans still silent?” Muriisa posed, framing the issue as a broader test of leadership and accountability.
He further suggested that history tends to judge harshly those who remain silent during moments when legal and constitutional principles are under strain.
According to Muriisa, Mayiga’s stance goes beyond routine criticism and represents a direct challenge to what many observers describe as a growing culture of impunity.
Mayiga’s remarks have added momentum to ongoing discussions about human rights and governance in Uganda, with analysts noting that interventions from high-profile leaders could influence both public opinion and institutional response.