Former Minister Miria Matembe Charged with Sectarianism, Denied Bail

Miria Matembe, a prominent former minister for Ethics and Integrity, has been formally charged with promoting sectarianism. The 73-year-old appeared before Grade One Magistrate Sheilla Gloria Atim at the Luzira Magistrate’s Court and entered a plea of not guilty.

The prosecution alleges that Matembe made statements on DK TV Uganda in June 2026 that could incite hostility, hatred, or ill will towards members of the Banyankole tribe. Specifically, the state claims Matembe remarked that “all our taxes are being spent on the Banyankole women ministers,” suggesting these comments were likely to provoke animosity.

Matembe’s legal team, led by Uganda Law Society Vice President Anthony Asiimwe, along with lawyers Samuel Muyizi and Steven Kalali, moved to apply for bail. They argued that Ms. Matembe was unwell and in need of immediate medical care, urging the court to consider her health status. However, Magistrate Atim rejected the bail plea, citing the absence of any medical evidence to support the claim of illness. The magistrate also noted that it was too late in the day to proceed with the bail hearing.

The court has adjourned the case for a formal bail hearing, scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Until then, Ms. Matembe has been remanded to Luzira Prison, meaning she will spend at least one night in custody. This case highlights the increasing scrutiny and prosecution of statements deemed sectarian under laws aimed at preserving national unity and preventing ethnic incitement.

This story was reported by Daily Monitor.