Miria Matembe Granted Bail by Luzira Magistrates Court

Former Ethics and Integrity Minister Dr. Miria Matembe has been released on bail following a ruling by the Luzira Magistrates Court. The decision came after two days of intense legal arguments concerning her detention on charges of promoting sectarianism.

Grade One Magistrate Sheilah Gloria Atim dismissed the prosecution’s objections, stating that the 73-year-old former minister is a well-established public figure with strong ties to Uganda, and therefore unlikely to abscond. The magistrate noted Matembe’s marital status and known residence in Luzira as factors against the prosecution’s claims that she had gone into hiding.

The court applied the principle that bail’s primary purpose is to ensure an accused person’s attendance at trial, without unnecessary pre-trial detention. This countered the prosecution’s arguments that Matembe was a flight risk, questioned her sureties’ credibility, and challenged her failure to immediately provide residence details for them.

The prosecution also raised concerns about her alleged lack of a fixed residence and the authenticity of contact information for her sureties. However, the court found the sureties presented by the defence to be substantial and credible, capable of guaranteeing Matembe’s appearance when required.

Matembe was released on a Shs3 million non-cash bail, with her sureties each bonded at Shs2 million. The ruling was met with visible relief from opposition leaders, lawyers, civil society activists, and family members present in the courtroom.

This bail decision follows Matembe’s arraignment on Tuesday for allegedly promoting sectarianism, charges stemming from remarks made on a television program. Her defence team had argued that her age, health, public service record, and community ties made her a suitable candidate for bail, also alleging she was abducted by security operatives.

The case has garnered significant national attention, with various legal and civil society bodies expressing concerns. While Matembe has secured temporary freedom, her trial on the sectarianism charges is set to continue.