Veteran politician and women’s rights advocate Miria Matembe has been released on bail after the Luzira Magistrates Court ruled that she met the legal requirements to remain out of custody while awaiting trial on charges of promoting sectarianism.
Magistrate Gloria Apio granted Matembe bail on Tuesday, citing her age, reported health condition and the constitutional principle that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The decision came after lengthy court proceedings that saw the matter adjourned twice as the magistrate considered submissions from both the prosecution and the defence.
Prosecutors had asked the court to reject the bail application, arguing that Matembe had not produced a national identity card or passport. They also claimed she did not have a fixed residence because she had allegedly gone into hiding and had failed to provide enough medical evidence to support claims of poor health.
The prosecution further questioned the suitability of some of the people presented as her sureties and argued that she could fail to return to court if released.
Her legal team dismissed those claims, describing the 73-year-old former minister as a respected public figure with a long history of public service and strong community ties. They argued that she was not a flight risk and told the court that her health had visibly deteriorated.
To support her bail application, Matembe presented four sureties: Amuru District Woman MP Lucy Akello, Rushenyi County MP Naome Kabasharira, High Court advocate Prima Kwagala, and lawyer and policy analyst Godber Tumushabe.
Matembe is facing charges under Section 38(1)(d) of the Penal Code Act, which criminalises promoting sectarianism.
According to the prosecution, the case stems from remarks she allegedly made during a June interview on DK TV Uganda, where she reportedly said that “all our taxes are being spent on the Banyankole women ministers.” Investigators argue that the statement was capable of creating hostility and ill will against members of the Banyankole ethnic community.
The case attracted national attention after security personnel raided Matembe’s home in Luzira, prompting her family to report her missing.
Questions about her whereabouts were later answered by Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who posted on social media that she was in state custody.
A former Ethics and Integrity minister, lawyer and one of the framers of Uganda’s 1995 Constitution, Matembe has become one of the country’s most vocal government critics in recent years.
With the court granting her bail, she will remain free as criminal proceedings against her continue.
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