Former Minister Miria Matembe Charged With Promoting Sectarianism, Remanded to Luzira

Former Ethics and Integrity Minister Miria Matembe, 73, has been charged with promoting sectarianism and remanded to Luzira Prison.

Matembe appeared before Grade One Magistrate Sheilla Gloria Atim at Luzira Magistrate’s Court, where she denied the charge brought against her by the state.

According to the charge sheet, she is accused of promoting sectarianism contrary to Section 38(1)(d) of the Penal Code Act.

Prosecutors allege that in June 2026, while appearing on DK TV Uganda, Matembe made remarks likely to promote hostility, hatred or ill will against members of the Banyankole tribe.

The state says she stated that “all our taxes are being spent on the Banyankole women ministers,” remarks prosecutors argue were likely to incite hostility against members of the tribe.

The charge sheet identifies Matembe as a businesswoman and resident of Luzira in Nakawa East, Kampala.

Following her plea, her legal team, led by Uganda Law Society Vice President Anthony Asiimwe, alongside lawyers Samuel Muyizi and Steven Kalali, applied for bail.

The defence told the court that Matembe was unwell and required urgent medical attention, asking the court to consider her health condition.

However, Magistrate Atim declined to hear the application, saying no medical evidence had been presented to support the claim.

“There is no evidence before court to show that the accused person is unwell,” the magistrate ruled.

She also said it was too late in the day to hear and determine the bail application, adjourning the matter to Wednesday, July 1, 2026, for a formal bail hearing.

“The bail application will be heard tomorrow,” the magistrate said before ordering that Matembe be remanded.

The ruling means Matembe will spend at least one night on remand at Luzira Prison as she awaits the hearing of her bail application.

The case adds to a growing number of prosecutions under laws criminalising sectarian statements, which authorities say are intended to safeguard national unity and prevent speech capable of inciting ethnic hostility.