Kampala City, Uganda: Former Ethics and Integrity Minister Miria Matembe has been released on bail after the Luzira Magistrates Court ruled that the veteran politician and women’s rights activist had satisfied the legal requirements for temporary release as she awaits trial on charges of promoting sectarianism.
The decision, delivered on Wednesday, July 01, by Grade One Magistrate Gloria Apio, followed hours of legal arguments between state prosecutors and Matembe’s defence team in a closely watched case that has attracted widespread public and political attention.
Court proceedings were twice adjourned to allow the magistrate time to prepare her ruling before ultimately ordering Matembe’s release, citing her advanced age, health condition, and the constitutional presumption of innocence.
In opposing the application, prosecutors argued that the 73-year-old had failed to produce a National Identification Card or passport, lacked a fixed place of residence because she had allegedly been “in hiding,” and had not presented sufficient medical evidence to support claims of ill health.
The prosecution also challenged the credibility of some of her proposed sureties and argued that she posed a risk of absconding if released on bail.
However, Matembe’s lawyers maintained that she is a respected public figure with deep roots in the country and an established record of public service, making her unlikely to flee from justice.
The defence further argued that Matembe was visibly frail, in poor health and remained constitutionally presumed innocent until proven guilty.
She presented four sureties, namely Amuru District Woman MP Lucy Akello, Rushenyi County MP Naome Kabasharira, High Court advocate Prima Kwagala, and lawyer and policy analyst Godber Tumushabe.
Matembe was produced in court and charged on Monday with promoting sectarianism, contrary to Section 38(1)(d) of the Penal Code Act.
According to the charge sheet, prosecutors allege that during an interview on DK TV Uganda in June, she stated that “all our taxes are being spent on the Banyankole women ministers,” remarks the state contends were likely to promote hostility, hatred or ill will against members of the Banyankole ethnic community.
Her prosecution followed several days of uncertainty over her whereabouts after security operatives reportedly raided her Luzira residence.
Concern over her disappearance grew after family members reported her missing, before Chief of Defence Forces and First Son, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, appeared to confirm that she was in state custody through a post on social media stating: “That one. I have her too.”
The Uganda Law Society has since condemned the circumstances surrounding Matembe’s arrest and detention, describing them as politically motivated and calling for an independent investigation into what it termed her enforced disappearance, as well as the withdrawal of the criminal charges against her.
A lawyer by profession, former Cabinet minister and member of the Constituent Assembly that drafted Uganda’s 1995 Constitution, Matembe has in recent years emerged as one of the government’s most outspoken critics.
With bail secured, Matembe will now remain out of custody as criminal proceedings against her continue in the coming days/weeks.
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