Veteran Ugandan politician and former Ethics Minister Dr. Miria Matembe, 73, has finally been granted bail by the Luzira Grade One Magistrate’s Court after spending days on remand over charges of promoting sectarianism.
The ruling followed a fiercely contested bail hearing in which state prosecutors argued that the veteran rights activist would be “better or safer” in prison because she no longer had a confirmed place of residence after reportedly fleeing her home following a military raid. Despite the prosecution’s objections, the court ultimately allowed Matembe to return home on bail as she awaits trial.
Matembe, a renowned rights activist, former Member of Parliament and delegate to Uganda’s Constituent Assembly that drafted the 1995 Constitution, appeared visibly weak during the hearing. She walked with difficulty and was assisted into court as her lawyers pressed for her release on humanitarian grounds.
The former minister is charged under Section 38 of the Penal Code Act. Prosecutors allege that during an interview on DK TV Uganda in June 2026, she claimed that taxpayers’ money was being disproportionately spent on Banyankole women ministers, remarks the state argues were likely to promote hostility, hatred or ill will against the Banyankole ethnic community.
She has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty.
State Says Prison Is Safer
In submissions led by state attorney Maria Kulusum, the prosecution urged the court to reject the bail application, arguing that Matembe had failed to satisfy key legal requirements, including proving she had a fixed place of residence.
The prosecution relied on the defence’s own account that Matembe fled her home after it was allegedly raided by security personnel.
“From her own evidence, she says she had her home scaled by security operations and she was forced to flee from the home,” the prosecution told court.
“If she has run away from her home and is hiding in homes which we don’t know, that means she has no place of abode, which is a requirement for granting bail. Where will she stay if she feels her home is not safe? Perhaps where she is (prison) is even better or safer for her.”
State prosecutors also faulted the defence for failing to present Matembe’s National Identity Card or passport in support of the application.
“Only a letter from the Local Council has been presented. Such documents are important because they assist the court. The passport comforts us that the person will attend court,” Kulusum submitted.
The prosecution further argued that old age alone does not amount to an exceptional circumstance warranting bail.
“Courts have in the past held that such exceptional circumstances are not mandatory grounds to grant bail,” prosecutors told the court.
The State also expressed concern that Matembe could commit similar offences if released.
“We have observed her character in court and we fear that while out on bail, she is likely to continue using words amounting to committing offences,” the prosecution submitted.
Defence Cites Age, Health and Public Record
Matembe’s legal team, led by Samuel Muyizzi, Stephen Kalali and Uganda Law Society Vice President Anthony Asiimwe, urged the court to release her on bail, arguing that she is elderly, unwell and poses no risk of absconding.
The lawyers told court that the former minister suffers from severe back pain and urgently requires medical attention.
“At 73, the accused is of advanced age and visibly frail, having reported back pain that requires medical attention,” the defence submitted.
Responding to claims that she had no fixed residence, the defence insisted Matembe has a well-known matrimonial home where she had lived peacefully before the reported security raid forced her to leave temporarily.
Her lawyers also rejected suggestions that she was a flight risk.
“Despite the opportunities to leave the country during the time she was in hiding following the raid on her home, Dr Matembe remained in Uganda. She has pleaded not guilty. Her actions affirm that she will honour court summons.”
The defence presented four prominent Ugandans as sureties: Amuru District Woman MP Lucy Akello, Rushenyi County MP Naome Kabasharira, women’s rights activist Prima Kwagala and governance advocate Godber Tumushabe.
After considering submissions from both sides, the court granted Matembe bail, allowing her to leave Luzira Prison while facing trial on the sectarianism charges.
Background to the Case
Matembe’s arrest generated widespread public debate. Her lawyers allege she was forcibly taken from her home by security operatives around June 25, blindfolded and held incommunicado before resurfacing under heavy security and being formally charged. Authorities have not publicly responded to those allegations.
Supporters, including Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, women’s rights activists and civil society leaders, were at court under heavy security in solidarity with the veteran politician, while social media campaigns under #IStandWithMatembe and #FreeMiriaMatembe gained momentum.
The case has become one of Uganda’s most closely watched political prosecutions, reigniting debate over freedom of expression, enforcement of laws on sectarianism and the treatment of government critics. While supporters argue that prosecuting an elderly activist with serious health concerns is unjustified, prosecutors maintain that the allegations are serious and should proceed to trial.
Also in court was Miria Matembe’s husband. Read the love story of How tough-talking Miria Matembe met and fell in love with her husband HERE.
Love story: How tough-talking Miria Matembe met and fell in love with her husband
