Dr. Miria Matembe
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Deteriorating health was one of the reasons why former Ethics Minister Dr. Miria Matembe has been granted bail by the Luzira Grade One Magistrate’s Court after spending a night on remand over charges of promoting sectarianism.
The 73-year-old politician was on Wednesday released on a non-cash bail of Shs3 million following a ruling by Grade One Magistrate Sheilah Gloria Atim, who cited her advanced age, poor health and the constitutional presumption of innocence as sufficient grounds for her temporary release.
Dr. Matembe is expected to return to court on August 19, 2026, as proceedings in the case continue.
The former minister had appeared before the same court on Tuesday evening, where she denied the charge and entered a plea of not guilty before being remanded to Luzira Prison pending determination of her bail application.
In her application, Matembe appealed for release on health grounds, telling the court that her medical condition required consideration while awaiting trial.
State prosecutors strongly opposed the application, arguing that the former minister was a flight risk and was “safer in prison” than outside custody.
However, Magistrate Atim rejected the prosecution’s objections and ruled that the defence had satisfied the legal requirements for bail.
The charges against Matembe stem from remarks she allegedly made during a television interview on DK TV Uganda in June 2026.
According to the prosecution, while appearing on the station in Kampala’s Nakawa Division, Matembe allegedly stated that “all our taxes are being spent on the Banyankole women ministers.”
Prosecutors contend that the comments were likely to promote hostility, hatred or ill will against members of the Banyankole ethnic group, contrary to the provisions of the Penal Code Act on promoting sectarianism.
Matembe has denied the allegations, maintaining her innocence throughout the proceedings.
Her arrest followed several days of uncertainty after she disappeared from public view following a security operation at her home in Luzira.
Security personnel had raided her residence in an attempt to arrest her, but she was not at home during the operation.
Sources later indicated that she had been arrested at a hotel along Gayaza Road, where she had allegedly been staying.
The circumstances surrounding her arrest attracted widespread public attention, particularly after Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba announced on social media platform X over the weekend that Matembe had been arrested for “impersonation.”
However, when she was eventually presented before court on Tuesday, the charge brought against her was promoting sectarianism rather than impersonation.
The discrepancy between the initial public statements and the formal charges raised fresh questions about the investigation, although prosecutors proceeded with the sectarianism case.
With bail now granted, Matembe will remain out of custody under the conditions set by the court as she prepares her defence.
The case is expected to resume on August 19, when the prosecution and defence will continue arguments over allegations that have drawn significant public and political interest.
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