Uganda Law Society Demands Withdrawal of Charges Against Former Minister Miria Matembe

The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has issued a strong statement demanding the immediate withdrawal of charges against former Ethics and Integrity Minister Dr. Miria Matembe. The legal body is also calling for an independent investigation into what it describes as her abduction, unlawful detention, and subsequent politically motivated prosecution.

In a strongly worded statement, ULS accused state authorities of violating constitutional safeguards and international human rights obligations in their handling of Dr. Matembe’s arrest and legal proceedings. The society expressed deep alarm over the circumstances, which they characterized as an “enforced disappearance” and unlawful detention before her formal charging.

Dr. Matembe was charged with promoting sectarianism under the Penal Code Act, with prosecutors alleging her statements on a television program were intended to incite hostility against the Banyankole ethnic group. She was subsequently remanded to Luzira Prison.

However, ULS argues that the process surrounding her arrest and detention raises serious legal and constitutional concerns. They report that Dr. Matembe was allegedly taken from a relative’s home by armed men identifying as security officers on Sunday, June 28, and held incommunicado for several days before appearing in court.

The lawyers’ body further claimed that the Director of Public Prosecutions consented to the charges without obtaining representations from the accused, undermining fair hearing standards. ULS also pointed to a Constitutional Court decision that reaffirmed protections for freedom of expression, arguing that Dr. Matembe’s prosecution amounts to criminalizing constitutionally protected speech.

Concerns were also raised regarding the decision to remand the 73-year-old former minister, especially given reported health concerns and the need for urgent medical attention. ULS outlined what it sees as a pattern of constitutional breaches, including enforced disappearances, arbitrary deprivation of liberty, and the misuse of the criminal justice system for political ends.

The ULS is demanding that all charges against Dr. Matembe be withdrawn immediately and that a thorough, independent investigation into her alleged abduction, detention, and treatment be conducted. They urge the government to restore her constitutional rights and cease the criminalization of legitimate criticism. Furthermore, ULS has appealed to international bodies to engage the Ugandan government on this matter.

Source: Nile Post