Kampala, Uganda: Former Ethics and Integrity Minister Dr. Miria Matembe has been charged with promoting sectarianism and remanded to Luzira Prison after appearing before the Luzira Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
The 73-year-old outspoken politician appeared before Grade One Magistrate Sheilla Gloria Atim on Tuesday, June 30, where she denied a charge of promoting sectarianism contrary to Section 38(1)(d) of the Penal Code Act.
According to the prosecution charge sheet signed off by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Mr Lino Anguzu, Matembe allegedly made remarks during a June 2026 appearance on DK TV Uganda that were likely to promote hostility, hatred or ill will against members of the Banyankole ethnic community.
It is further alleged that Matembe stated that “all our taxes are being spent on the Banyankole women ministers,” remarks the State contends were capable of inciting hostility against members of the tribe.
Following her plea, her defence team, led by Uganda Law Society Vice President Anthony Asiimwe, alongside lawyers Samuel Muyizi and Steven Kalali, applied for bail, arguing that the former minister was unwell and required urgent medical attention.
The defence urged the court to release Matembe on bail on humanitarian grounds, citing concerns about her health.
However, Magistrate Atim declined to consider the application, ruling that the defence had not presented any medical evidence to support the claim. “There is no evidence before the court to show that the accused person is unwell,” the magistrate ruled, triggering wild reactions of resentment from the courtroom.
The court further held that there was insufficient time to hear and determine the bail application and adjourned the matter to Wednesday, July 1, 2026, when the application will be formally heard.
“The bail application will be heard tomorrow,” Magistrate Atim said before ordering that Matembe be remanded to Luzira Prison.
The ruling means the former minister will spend at least one night on remand pending the outcome of her bail application.
Matembe, also a former Member of Parliament and one of Uganda’s most outspoken political figures, has over the years remained active in public debates on governance, constitutionalism, and accountability.
Her prosecution comes at a time of heightened political and legal scrutiny over public speech, with authorities increasingly invoking laws against sectarianism and hate speech. The offence of promoting sectarianism is intended to protect national unity by criminalising statements that are likely to incite ethnic, tribal, religious or regional hostility.
The case is expected to return to court on Wednesday for the hearing of Matembe’s bail application.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
