Magistrate Atim reportedly transferred days after granting bail to Matembe

Kampala, Uganda: Magistrate Gloria Atim, who recently granted bail to veteran politician Miria Matembe, has reportedly been transferred from Luzira Chief Magistrate’s Court in Nakawa Division to Kiboga District, according to local media outlet, Kampala Gazette.

The publication also reported that Magistrate Ivan Ssenoga, who granted bail to political commentator Timothy Kalyegira, has been transferred to Luweero District.

Another judicial officer, Magistrate William Muwonge, was reportedly transferred from Kawempe to Mukono before later being posted to Arua after granting bail to 21 National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters in 2025.

The Judiciary had not, by press time, officially confirmed the reported transfers. Judicial officers are routinely transferred as part of administrative deployments within the Judiciary.

However, the timing of the reported transfers has attracted public debate, with some legal practitioners questioning whether they could be perceived as punitive.

Lawyer Saasi Marvin questioned the pattern of the transfers in a social media post. “I’m adding this in case someone intends to tell us how the sudden transfers are not disguise punishments. Judicial independence? Which Independence?!”

Magistrate Atim drew national attention during the recent bail proceedings involving Matembe after making remarks before delivering her ruling.

“I am a simple human being entitled to give justice to all people of Uganda. I owe allegiance to Uganda. I am a judicial officer, a Catholic by religion, and aged 45 years. God help me in the decision I am about to deliver.”

Her remarks were widely shared on social media following the court session.

PS: This story is based on reporting by Kampala Gazette. DailyExpress has attributed the information accordingly but independent confirmation from the Judiciary was not available by press time.