News
Former ethics minister Miria Matembe granted bail
Matembe, who describes herself as a businesswoman, is charged with promoting sectarianism, contrary to section 38 (1) of the Penal Code Act. The offence attracts a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment on conviction.
Former Ethics Minister, Miria Matembe. (File)
By: Barbra Kabahumuza and Michael Odeng, Journalists @New Vision
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The Luzira Chief Magistrate’s Court has released on bail the former Ethics Minister, Miria Matembe, who is accused of promoting sectarianism, on grounds of ill health.
Principal Magistrate Grade One Gloria Atim today (July 1) released Matembe on bail of sh3m, not cash, saying the 73-year-old had satisfied the legal requirements for bail pending trial on charges of promoting sectarianism.
The magistrate ruled that Matembe’s sureties are substantial and ordered each of them to execute a non-cash bond of sh2m.
Her sureties included Amuru district Woman MP Lucy Akello, Rushenyi County MP Naome Kabasharira, and a one Trina Kwagala.
While granting her bail, the court also took into account Matembe’s advanced age and the fact that she has no previous criminal record.
The magistrate, however, ordered Matembe not to engage in acts likely to amount to hostility or breach of the peace during the pendency of the case.
“Failure to comply with my directive will result into automatic cancellation of your bail,” the magistrate warned.
The magistrate noted that she carefully considered the submissions of both the defence lawyers and the prosecution, the Constitution, the Magistrates Courts Act, the Bail Guidelines and the authorities cited before concluding that the applicant deserved to be released on bail.
Matembe, who describes herself as a businesswoman, is charged with promoting sectarianism, contrary to section 38 (1) of the Penal Code Act. The offence attracts a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment on conviction.
While granting her bail, the court also took into account Matembe’s advanced age and the fact that she has no previous criminal record.
The magistrate, however, ordered Matembe not to engage in acts likely to amount to hostility or breach of the peace during the pendency of the case.
“Failure to comply with my directive will result into automatic cancellation of your bail,” the magistrate warned.
The magistrate noted that she carefully considered the submissions of both the defence lawyers and the prosecution, the Constitution, the Magistrates Courts Act, the Bail Guidelines and the authorities cited before concluding that the applicant deserved to be released on bail.
Matembe, who describes herself as a businesswoman, is charged with promoting sectarianism, contrary to section 38 (1) of the Penal Code Act. The offence attracts a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment on conviction.
According to the charge sheet, Matembe is a resident of Luzira in Nakawa East, Kampala.
Matembe went missing on June 25, a few moments after security operatives raided her home at Luzira in Kampala.
Subsequently, the Uganda Law Society petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Abas Byakagaba, and the head of legal affairs at the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, Moses Wandera, demanding Matembe’s arraignment in court, arguing that she had been detained beyond the required 48 hours.
Allegations
Prosecution alleges that Matembe in June 2026, in Nakawa Division, Kampala, through DK TV Uganda platform stated that all Uganda's taxes are being spent on Banyankole women ministers, statements which are likely to promote hostility, hatred or ill will against members of the Banyankole tribe.
Matembe went missing on June 25, a few moments after security operatives raided her home at Luzira in Kampala.
Subsequently, the Uganda Law Society petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Abas Byakagaba, and the head of legal affairs at the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, Moses Wandera, demanding Matembe’s arraignment in court, arguing that she had been detained beyond the required 48 hours.
Allegations
Prosecution alleges that Matembe in June 2026, in Nakawa Division, Kampala, through DK TV Uganda platform stated that all Uganda's taxes are being spent on Banyankole women ministers, statements which are likely to promote hostility, hatred or ill will against members of the Banyankole tribe.