Uganda Law Society Demands Answers on Miria Matembe's Detention

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has escalated its concerns over the detention of former ethics minister Miria Matembe by filing petitions with top law enforcement officials. The ULS is demanding that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abbas Byakagaba and the Head of Legal Affairs at the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Moses Wandera ensure Matembe is produced in court.

Matembe was reportedly taken into custody on Thursday, June 25, following a raid on her home. Her family has been unable to ascertain her whereabouts or the reasons for her arrest, prompting them to seek legal assistance from the ULS.

According to ULS Vice President Anthony Asiimwe, the society has written to the IGP, the Director of Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Tom Magambo, and the UPDF’s Moses Wandera. The petitions seek full disclosure of any allegations against Ms. Matembe, her immediate presentation before a court of law, and strict adherence to due process.

“We are advocating for the release of Miria Matembe. If she is suspected of an offence, let her be produced to Court. You can’t deny personal liberty,” Asiimwe stated, emphasizing the legal requirement under the Police Act that an arrested individual must be brought before a court within 48 hours.

Mr. Matembe, the former minister’s husband, expressed deep distress over the lack of communication from authorities, confirming that he has handed over all legal matters regarding his wife’s situation to the ULS after failing to get any information from the police.

As of Monday evening, neither the police nor the UPDF had officially responded to the ULS petitions, with spokespersons for both institutions being unavailable for comment. The ULS has pledged to pursue all available legal avenues until Ms. Matembe is either formally charged or released.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/uls-petitions-igp-updf-over-matembe-s-whereabouts-5513472